Raipur, April 9: Hours after the deadliest attack by Maoist in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district, in which BJP MLA Bhima Mandavi was killed, Election Commission on Tuesday stated it clearly that the polls for Bastar seat in First Phase will take place as scheduled. Along with the BJP MLA, his driver & 3 PSOs were also killed.

Informing the decision of the EC, the apex poll conducting body informed, "The polling for Lok Sabha Elections 2019 will go as per the schedule." Along with this, the Chief Electoral Officer of Chhattisgarh took an immediate Video Conference meeting of collectors & SPs of the affected districts covering Phase 1 and phase 2 in Chhattisgarh. He instructed them to take utmost precautions over the next few days." Dantewada Maoist Attack: PM Narendra Modi Condoles Demise of Slain BJP MLA Bhima Mandavi, 5 Martyred Jawans. 

Earlier, condemning the dastardly attack by Naxals and sharing his condolences to the deceased's kin, PM Narendra Modi tweeted, "Strongly condemn the Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh. My tributes to the security personnel who were martyred. The sacrifices of these martyrs will not go in vain."

Adding more, he wrote, "Bhima Mandavi was a dedicated Karyakarta of the BJP. Diligent and courageous, he assiduously served the people of Chhattisgarh. His demise is deeply anguishing. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti."

According to the EC notification, Chhattisgarh's Bastar constituency will go to polls in Phase 1 on April 11 and the three other constituencies - Rajnandgaon, Mahasamund and Kanker - would go to polls on April 18. The results for these Lok Sabha Constituencies will be announced with rest 539 seat on May 23.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 09, 2019 09:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).