Counting begins peacefully in Koderma by-polls

Giridih, Nov 9: Counting for the November six by-election to Koderma parliamentary seat that saw a fierce triangular battle among UPA, NDA and Mr Babulal Marandi, an independent candidate in presence of 11 other contestants in the fray, began at 0800 rpt 0800 hours today.

The main fight was among Mr Manoj Yadav (Congress), Mr Pranab Verma (BJP) and Mr Marandi, who spared no pains to retain the seat.

About 57 per cent of an estimated 13,50,000 voters exercised franchise on the polling day that was by and large peaceful.

Repolling was held yesterday in two centres in Giridih district where about 50 voters turned out to cast their ballots.

Evms were used in all 1,618 polling booths, comprising 453 hypersensitive and 554 sensitive ones.

Besides, 33 companies of the para-military forces, 13 of the jharkhand armed police (jap) companies and thousands of state police peronnel and hundreds of officers have been pressed into service to ensure a smooth election. IAF helicopters, since yesterday, have been hovering to check infiltration from bordering districts.

Of the total six assembly constituencies, Dhanwar and Bagodar are considered most insurgent-dominated places in which 111 and 184 polling booths were identified as hyper-sensitive respectively.

The bypoll was termed a 'litmus test' to determine the future of Jharkhand politics.

Of the total voters, 238,584 are in Koderma, 236,554 in Barkathha, 222709 in Dhanwar, 237,619 in Bagodar, 223,653 in Jamua while 189,972 are registered in Gandey.

UNI