Orissa: Christians wary as final phase of elections begin

The second and final phase of elections in Orissa began on Thursday amid tight security in the backdrop of political and communal violence.

More than 14.5 million people are expected to vote for 84 candidates contesting 11 Lok Sabha seats in the second phase.

At least 16,572 booths in 11 districts have been set up and security arrangements have been made to make the polling peaceful, a senior state police official said.

The districts of Mayurbhanj, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar and Jajpur would receive special security attention, the official added.

The Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik following the recent break-up between the BJP and BJD for violence against Christians - is keen to return to power and for this he is apparently addressing 14 campaign rallies a day.

He has promised the people of security and development asserting that polarising of people on religious and caste lines would be warded off.

Christians meanwhile are wary over the developments in the state to ensure minorities would not have to face another brutal "Kandhamal".

Several church organisations have released statements urging voters to vote for candidates committed to "secularism and communal harmony".

In the second phase, the election will be held in 141 Lok Sabha constituencies spread across 13 states and Union Territories.

Other than Orissa, the states going to the polls in this phase include Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand.

The counting of votes will take place on May 16.