Jharkhand, Dec 09 (ANI): Voting for the third phase election to the Jharkhand Assembly began on Monday in 17 constituencies spread across eight districts. A strong electorate of above 50 lakh people are eligible to exercise their franchise to choose among 289 candidates, including 26 women. Voters seemed enthusiastic to cast their vote and bring a government that work for the development of the state. Security forces are keeping a close watch in the Maoist-affected areas where 1,957 booths have been marked as highly sensitive and 1,477 as sensitive booths. Polling will end at 3 PM in 14 constituencies and continue till 5 PM in Ranchi, Hatia and Kanke constituencies. Prominent candidates in fray are former Jharkhand Chief Minister Babulal Marandi (Dhanwar), ex-Assembly Speaker CP Singh (Ranchi) and three incumbent ministers Finance Minister Rajendra Prasad Singh (Bermo), Water Resources Minister Annapurna Devi (Kodarma) and Drinking and Sanitation Minister Jaiprakash Bhai Patel (Mandu).
