Bihar polls 5th phase: Acid test for Nitish Kumar

Patna, Nov 9: It will be an acid test for Nitish Kumar and his government's success in satisfying the people during the close-to-end term as the Chief Minister's stronghold Nalanda goes into polling in the fifth phase of Assembly elections on Tuesday, Nov 9.

Besides Nalanda, the worst drought-hit districts of Gaya, Patna, Nalanda, Bhojpur, Arwal, Jehanabad, and Sheikhpura go into polling in this phase.

While Nitish Kumar seeks people's mandate to help JD(U) rule for another term, Lalu Prasad Yadav's RJD is not ready to concede yet again.

8.1 million people are eligible to vote in the 35 constituencies across the eight districts. A total of 490 candidates are in the fray. Some of heavyweights include Bihar ministers Hari Narayan Singh, Prem Kumar, Jitan Ram Manjhi and Bhagwan Singh Kushwaha.

The sixth and final phase of the Bihar assembly elections for the new 243-member house will be held on Nov 20. Counting of votes is scheduled for Nov 24.

So far the first four phases of the polls have been relatively peaceful with stray incidents of violence.

OneIndia News