Ranchi, Nov 23 Campaigning for the first phase of the five-phased polling for the Jharkhand Assembly would come to an end this evening.

The first phase of the poll will take place on November 25 for 26 of the 81 seats.

Four former ministers, six former MPs and a former Speaker are among the 470 candidates in the fray during this phase.

Congress leaders Ajay Makan and Veer Bhadra Singh, BJP leaders Venkaiah Naidu and JDU President Sharad Yadav, JMM Supremo Shibu Soren and Jharkhand Vikas Morcha Chief Babu Lal Marandi addressed a series of meetings through out the state.

During the first phase, 30 constituencies will vote, in the second phase 15 constituencies will go to poll, in third phase seven seats will vote, and 14 and 15 constituencies will vote in the fourth and the fifth phase.

Counting will be held on December 23.

As Jharkhand is one of the Naxal affected states, the Election Commission has decided to deploy Central Police Forces (CPF) and the State Armed Police (SAP) drawn from other states. (ANI)