Jharkhand polls: Chidambaram asks citizens to vote without fear

Ahead of the third phase of the Jharkhand Assembly polls, Home Minister P Chidambaram on Monday asked voters to come forward and exercise their franchise without fear.

Ahead of the third phase of the Jharkhand Assembly polls, Home Minister P Chidambaram on Monday asked voters to come forward and exercise their franchise without fear.

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"I would appeal to the voters in Jharkhand to repose confidence in the measures that have been taken and turn out in large numbers to vote and elect candidates of their choice," Chidambaram said in a statement in New Delhi.

The Home Minister said the administration in Jharkhand and especially the security forces are geared to ensure that polling takes place in a free, fair and peaceful manner.

The third phase of elections in Jharkhand to 11 Assembly Constituencies will take place on Tuesday.

"I recall with satisfaction that in the first phase the turnout was 53.1 per cent and in the second phase the turnout was 58.8 per cent. This was due to the administrative and security measures taken by the Election Commission. I am confident that the third phase also will witness an impressive turnout," the Minister said.

"Let us remember that elections constitute the foundation of a democracy and it is important that every voter plays his or her part in strengthening this foundation," Chidambaram said.