IANS/Patna
The filing of nomination papers for the fourth phase of Bihar assembly elections, to be held on November 1, began yesterday, an official said.
In the fourth phase, elections will be held in 55 of the 243 assembly constituencies.
The last date for filing nominations for the fourth phase is October 14. While the scrutiny of papers will be held on October 15, candidates can withdraw their nominations till October 17.
Additional Chief Electoral Officer R Lakshamanan said here that the process for the five-phase assembly elections in Bihar began last month with the filing of nomination papers for the first, second phase and third rounds early this month.
The constituencies going to polls in the fourth phase are in seven districts - Sheohar, Sitamarhi, East Champaran, West Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Siwan and Gopalganj.
The main contest is between the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance and the grand alliance of Janata Dal-United, Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress.
Bihar will elect a new 243-member assembly in staggered polls to be held between October 12 and November 5. The counting of votes will be held on November 8.
Meanwhile, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government had failed to fulfil any of its promises and he had no time for the poor, workers and farmers but plenty of time to travel abroad.
Addressing his first election rally in Bihar in Bachwada assembly constituency in Begusarai district, Gandhi said: “The Modi-led government has failed to fulfil any of its promises in last one-and-a-half years but even today wherever goes he makes promises.”
Cautioning the general public about Modi’s promises, Gandhi said: “People should keep in mind what happened to the promises made by Modi since he became the prime minister. Has anyone got Rs15 lakh in their accounts or people got rid of inflation?”
Bharatiya Janata Party activist Vinay Kumar Sahu who cycled all the way from Mangalore arrives in Patna, Bihar yesterday. Bihar will elect a new 243-m
