Campaigning in the six Naxal-affected parliamentary constituencies ended on Tuesday evening while deadly landmines still linger as the biggest threat for security forces. On Monday, three CRPF personnels, including a Deputy Commandant, were killed and eight were injured while defusing bombs planted by Maoists in Aurangabad.
The six constituencies that go to polling on April 10 are Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, Jamui, Sasaram and Karakat. All these areas are Naxal-affected and have been witnessing Maoists violence for the last few months.
In Aurangabad, the BJP had fielded former JD(U) leader Sushil Kumar Singh against JD(U) candidate Bagi Kumar Verma and formidable Congress candidate and former Delhi Police chief Nikhil Kumar. In this triangular fight, the contest is mainly between the BJP and the Congress candidates.
While in Sasaram, the contest is between Congress candidate Meira Kumar and BJP’s Chhedi Paswan. Paswan recently switched his loyalties from JD(U) to join the BJP. However, the JD(U) has fielded former IAS officer KP Ramaiah with support from Meira’s niece Madhavi Kirti, who wanted to contest the poll on BSP ticket but her symbol was rejected as fake.
In Gaya there is battle of ballot between three Manjhi’s — Hari Manjhi of BJP, Jeetan Ram Manjhi of JD(U) and Ramji Manjhi of RJD. However, as per the voters of the constituency, the contest is primarily between the BJP and JD(U) candidate with the edge of Hari Manjhi of saffron party.
In neighbouring Nawada lok Sabha constituency, firebrand BJP leader Giriraj Singh is pitted against JD(U)’s Kaushal Yadav and Raj Ballabh Yadav of RJD who is giving tough fight to both the rivals. However, the voters said that after Narendra Modi addressed a public rally in Nawada recently the party candidate Giriraj Singh’s position has become much stronger.
In Karakat RJD leader Kanti Singh is fighting a tough battle against BJP-lJP joint candidate, Upendra Kushwaha, and JD(U)’s Mahabali Singh. In the triangular contest Kushwaha is appearing on a strong pitch in the constituency with caste combination coming to his favour.