The process for the four-phased assembly elections in Bihar got underway on Friday with the issue of notification by Governor Buta Singh for holding polls in 61 constituencies in the first phase on October 18.
With this the second electoral battle for power within a year has begun in the state.
The constituencies going to polls in the first phase are in Naxalite-hit Patna, Rohtas, Kaimur, Buxar, Bhojpur, Aurangabad, Jehanabad, Gaya, Arwal, Nawada, Jamui and Banka districts.
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The polling will be spread over a month because of major religious festivals and also to ensure adequate security in the wake of concerns over the law and order situation in the state.
The start of the process comes amidst hearing by the Supreme Court of a public interest litigation by Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal-United members of the dissolved assembly challenging the dissolution.
The apex court is likely to pronounce its verdict shortly and, if it strikes down the dissolution, the Election Commission can annul the poll process.
The other three phases of polls are scheduled to be held on October 26, November 13 and 19, while counting will take place on November 22.
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