AMN /
First phase of polling in 49 constituencies of Bihar passed off peacefully amidst tight security arrangements. No untoward incident has been reported from any part of the state so far. An estimated 57 percent voting was recorded.
Briefing media in New Delhi, Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha said, the polling was by an large peaceful including in the naxal infested 13 constituencies . Mr Sinha said, an overwhelming response was seen among the female voters who outnumbered the males. He said, the female voter turnout stood at 59.5 per cent against 54.5 per cent for male voters.
Maximum 61 percent voting was recorded in Khagaria district. In 13 naxal infested constituencies polling was trouble free. Polls to the remaining four phases will be held between the 16th of this month and the 5th of the next month. Counting will be held on 8th November. The term of the current Assembly expires on 29th November.
The Deputy Election Commissioner said voters boycotted in 9 polling stations in different areas on development issues. Giving the break up of district wise poll percentage, Mr Sinha said, Khagaria has registered the highest turn out with 61 per cent followed by Samastipur 60 per cent.
Nawada district recorded the lowest turnout of 53 per cent. Polling for the remaining 4 phases will be held between the 16th of this month and the 5th of the next month. Counting will be held on 8th November. The term of the current Assembly expires on 29th November.
Two separate FIRs have been registered against Union Minister Giriraj Singh and a private TV Camera person for videographing Union Minister while he was casting his vote today. The videography or photography of casting of votes by any person is prohibited under the poll laws. Talking to AIR, Additional Chief Electoral Officer, R. Lakshmanan said the FIRs were lodged in Lakhisarai district in this regard.
Meanwhile, Election Commission has sought a report from Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar over the incident. Briefing reporters in New Delhi, Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha said, necessary action will be taken after receipt of the report. The incident took place at Barahiya area in Lakhisarai district.