Nagaland goes to polls today amid tight security

New Delhi: Polling for election to the 60-member Nagaland Assembly began on Wednesday morning amid tight security and for the fourth time under President's Rule.

Voters started lining up in front of booths before the polling began despite chilly conditions following a shower in the wee hours.

Over 13 lakh voters are expected to exercise their franchise to determine the fate of 218 candidates, including four women.

The Congress has fielded candidates in all the 60 seats. Its main contender, the Neiphiu Rio-led Nagaland People's Front has fielded 56 candidates and has decided to support the candidates of its ally, BJP in the remaining four seats.

The NPF and the BJP, two constituents of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland government, which was dismissed in January, have decided to have "friendly contests" on 19 seats.

Other parties in the fray include the NCP and JD(U), both of which have pledged support to a DAN government after the polls. Small parties like the RJD, JDS and LJP are also in the fray.

These minor parties along with Independents are expected to play a crucial role in government formation in case of a split verdict.

Over 16,000 paramilitary personnel were deployed covering 1,780 polling stations to assist the police for smooth conduct of the elections with latest EVMs being used in the entire state.

Assam Rifles and Army personnel were on intensified patrol across the state.

The Election Commission has adopted various measures this time, including involvement of grass-root level statutory bodies and deployment of micro observers, to prevent the rampant practice of proxy voting.