The third phase of the Jharkhand assembly polls on Tuesday posted an average 58 per cent turnout, despite the killing of two paramilitary personnel and arrest of a former legislator of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha.

The two BSF personnel were killed when Maoist guerrillas opened fire in Dumka.

The third phase of polling started at 7 a.m. on a dull note but it gained momentum after about three hours. The voting time has been advanced from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. due to security reasons.

The results of the balloting will decide the fate of five former ministers, including former deputy chief minister Stephen Marandi and Hemant Soren, son of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief Shibu Soren.

In Dumka, a police complaint was lodged against Hemant Soren for instigating supporters to attack the Congress nominee’s office.

Security had been beefed up for the voting as half of the 11 assembly constituencies that went to the polls are considered Maoist strongholds.

Categories: Features, General Election 2009, General Elections, India Election 2009, India Elections, Jharkhand Assembly Elections, News
Tags: BSF, Jharkhand, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, polling