Polling begins on dull note in Simaria

Chatra, Feb 4 (UNI) Polling began on a dull note at the naxal-dominated Simaria Assembly constituency as about six per cent of an estimated 2.4 lakh electorate exercised their franchise till 1000 hours in the by-election which began at 0700 hours today.

No untoward incident was reported from any part of the constituency so far, official sources said.

Many people, mainly from the rural areas, faced problems as they failed to bring the required documents to prove their identity, leading to poor voting, a booth mananger of a political party claimed.

Altogether 26 companies of paramilitary forces were deployed and aerial vigil made to ensure smooth polling. Besides, state police personnel were also deployed in large numbers.

Altogether 14 candidates were in the fray. The CPI, backed by the JMM and RJD, the Congress and BJP were engaged in a triangular contest.

About 95 per cent of total 226 polling centres were identified as sensitive.

UNI XC-PRS DPM SAN1136