CAMPAIGN ENDS FOR HIGH-STAKES BIHAR POLLS, CLOSING WAR OF WORDS AND NERVES

Campaign ended on Sunday evening for the second and final phase of the high-stakes assembly elections in Bihar, bringing to a close a nearly month-long fierce battle of words and nerves among rivals vying for power in the state.

- TDG NETWORK

While the first phase of polls, which registered a record 65 per cent turnout, was held on November 6, voting for the second phase will be held on November 11, followed by the counting of votes on November 14.

Elections will be held in 122 seats in the second phase, while polling happened in 121 assembly segments in the first round.

Among the significant seats going to the polls in this phase are Chakai, from where JD(U) minister Sumit Kumar Singh is seeking a reelection, BJP MLA Shreyasi Singh's Jamui, JD(U) minister Leshi Singh's Dhamdaha, and BJP minister Neeraj Kumar Singh’s Chhatapur.

Finishing touches were given to the blitzkrieg on the closing day by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

The former Congress president addressed rallies in Kishanganj and Purnea districts in the Seemanchal region, which has a sizeable population of Muslims, whose support is vital for the opposition INDIA bloc.