Bihar witnesses brisk voting in final phase

AMN / PATNA

Brisk voting is going on in Bihar amidst tight security arrangement. In the fifth and final phase of polling in 57 constituencies spread over 9 districts of the state is going on. These districts are Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Purnia, Katihar, Madhepura, Saharsa and Darbhanga. An estimated 40 percent voters have so far exercised their right of franchise till 01 PM.

Maximum 44 percent voting has been reported from Purnea district. 41 percent voting recorded in Madhepura. JD(U) President Sharad Yadav exercised his right of franchise at a booth in Madhepura. Long queues are being seen at most of the booths. Women especially youths are very much enthusiastic to cast their votes. Polling began at 7 AM, will end at 5 PM. In two constituencies of Simri Bakhtiarpur and Mahishi polling will conclude at 3 PM due to security reasons.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed voters of Bihar to show up in large numbers for the fifth and final phase of state Assembly elections.

Over 1 crore 55 lakhs voters will decide the fate of 827 candidates including 58 women. Important candidate whose fate will be decided in this phase includes six Ministers Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Narendra Narayan Yadav Dulalchand Goswami, Bima Bharati, Naushad Alam and Lesi Singh. Former ministers Abdul Bari Siddiqui, Nitish Mishra and BJP state spokesperson Vinod Narayan Jha are also in the fray. Counting of votes will be taken up on Sunday.