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Election Commision reschedules Bihar polling
by Maya Singh

     New Delhi: The Election Commission on Monday announced a change in the dates of polling for five assembly constituencies in Bihar, from October 26 to October 29. "Polling in three assembly constituencies of Samastipur district - Sarairanjan, Samastipur and Dalsingh Sarai - and two constituencies of Katihar - Kadwa and Barsoi - will be held on October 29," said Deputy Election Commissioner Anand Kumar, adding that the decision was taken to provide adequate security during the polling. Earlier, the EC had on Saturday announced the rescheduling of poll dates in two constituencies Kharagpur and Surajgarh of Munger and Lakhisarai districts respectively.

     Polling will now be held in 60 assembly constituencies only on October 26. Sources said the commission had noted more poll-related violence, including breakage of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the areas, where District Armed Police (DAP) was overseeing the security in comparison to the areas, where Central security as well as Bihar Military Police (BMP) was posted. "Keeping in view the first phase observations and experience, the Commission has decided to reschedule the polling in those areas, which are highly-sensitive and face the possibility of higher violence," Kumar said. Bihar Chief Secretary G.S. Kang has already confirmed that 90,000 security personnel have been deputed to oversee the polls next Wednesday. Ninety percent of them have already reached their deployment centres, he added. The first phase of voting had taken place on October 18. The third and fourth phases will be held on November 13 and 19 respectively. Counting of votes in all the constituencies will be taken up on November 22, and date before which election process shall be completed will be November 23.