Rajnandgaon goes for LS by-poll amid tight security

Raipur, Mar 28 (UNI) Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the by-election in naxalite-affected Rajnandgaon Lok Sabha constituency where polling is scheduled tomorrow.

Security has been tightened at all sensitive places, including those areas having Naxalite presence. to ensure smooth, free and fair elections. Polling is scheduled between 0730 hours and 1630 hours, Returning Officer R S Vishwakarma said.

As many as 1358 polling stations have been set up to enable 8,87,857 voters, including 4,46,766 women, to exercise their franchise to decide the electoral fortunes of 13 candidates. About 275 polling stations have been classified as sensitive in view of the presence of Naxalites in the tribal areas.

The main contest is seemed to be between Mr Leelaram Bhojwani (BJP) and Mr Devabrat Singh (Congress). Mr Balkrishna Agrawal (BSP) is also among those contesting the by-poll, which was necessitated following expulsion of BJP MP Pradeep Gandhi from Lok Sabha for his involvement in the ''cash for query' scandal.

Counting of votes is scheduled for April 1.

UNI