Polling begins for Kharswan bypoll

Jamshedpur, Feb 10 (PTI) Polling for the Kharswanassembly bypoll from where Jharkhand Chief Minister ArjunMunda is contesting to enter the state assembly began thismorning amidst tight security arrangements.

The Returning Officer-cum-Sub-Divisional Officer ofSaraikela, C K Singh said polling began at 7 am.

Apart from the existing district police force, sixcompanies of central para-military forces have been deputed tomaintain law and order during the polling, Singh said.

Munda had represented the seat thrice in a row since 1995till he resigned after he was elected to Lok Sabha fromJamshedpur parliamentary seat in the last general election,was locked in a straight contest against Babulal Marandi-ledJharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) (JVM) candidate, DasrathGagrai, a consensus candidate of opposition parties includingCongress and National Jharkhandi Alliance.

Besides, Bahadur Oraon of CPI (ML) and four independentcandidates were also left in the fray.

Kharswan by-poll was necessitated after sitting BJP MLAMangal Singh Soy resigned two months ago to pave way for Mundato enter the House.