Polling began in seven parliamentary constituencies in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections in Bihar amidst tight security today to decide the fate of 94 candidates.
The prominent candidates in the fray are JD(U) President Sharad Yadav from Madhepura, who is being challenged by RJD's Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, former central minister and BJP leader Hukumdeo Narayan Yadav from Madhubani and cricketer-turned-BJP leader Kirti Azad from Darbhanga who will contest against former Union minister and RJD leader M A A Fatmi.
Elections are also being held in Jhanjharpur, Samastipur (SC), Begusarai and Khagaria seats today and all the constituencies are in the Kosi river belt. Five women are also in the fray.
An electorate of 1.12 crore voters will exercise their franchise in 10,521 polling stations.
Altogether 59,000 personnel belonging to 145 companies of central paramilitary forces BSF, CRPF and state police, including Bihar Military Police and homeguards and two helicopters have been deployed to ensure free and fair polls, official sources said.
The helicopters would be used for aerial surveillance, the sources said.
Polling would end at 4 pm in the three assembly segments of Mahisi in Madhepura and Simri Bhakhtiyarpur and Aluali in Khagaria seat as the areas are Maoist-affected.
Bypoll is also being held in Sahebpur Kamal Assembly seat in Begusarai district. It is necessitated following former minister Parveen Amanullah's resignation from the Nitish Kumar cabinet to move to AAP.