Poll officials ready to ensure a free and fair election in Jharkhand despite Maoists

Ranchi, Dec.1 (ANI): Ahead of the second phase of State Assembly elections, duty bound polling officials left for their respective centres on Tuesday with a confidence of ensuring fair elections despite boycott call by Maoists.

The second phase of polls in the state, including many of the Maoists-infested areas, would be held on Wednesday (December 2) for 14 assembly seats.

Polling officials told reporters that police stations of the areas are there to help them in any eventuality and to thwart any untoward activity during the polls.

"Police officials of the poll-bound areas will help in gaining knowledge about the area. They'll inform us about the area details and how to reach there," said Balli Oraon, polling magistrate.

"We will conduct voting in a free and peaceful atmosphere. Entire staff members who are going along with us are going tension free. And there is fearless environment everywhere," said R. B Chaduhary, a polling personnel.

Maoists have given 48-hour shutdown call as part of their poll boycott campaign. They have indulged in violence in recent times and have also blocked and damaged roads and pasted posters calling for poll boycott in several areas.

The first phase of polls in the state for 26 assembly seats was held on November 25.

They have increased attacks on railways, power and telecommunication networks to halt economic development, officials say. (ANI)