Brisk polling is reported in the fourth phase of Bihar assembly elections for 42 constituencies and by- election of Banka parliamentary constituency amidst tight security arrangements.AIR Patna correspondent Krishna Kumar Lal reports, over 42 percent voting was recorded after 6 hours of polling. Voting will continue up to 5 pm except in 14 Naxal- affected constituencies where it will end at 3 pm. The naxal affected constituencies are Jamui, Jhajha, Chakai, Sikandra, Belhar, Katoria, Jamalpur, Tarapur, Suryagarha, Alauli Bachwara, Teghra,Begusarai and Bakhri.By-election to Banka parliamentary constituency was necessitated following the death of sitting MP Digvijay Singh.Over one crore electorates will decide the political fortune of 568 candidats including 58 women. Seven candidates are in the fray for Banka Parliamentary by-poll.Prominent candidates whose electoral fate will be decided include four Ministers Ashwani Kumar Choubey, Nand Kishore Yadav,Ram Narayan Mandal and Damodar Rawat.State Director General of Police Neelmani told AIR that that jawans of central para military forces have been deployed on all booths. Jawans of special task Force on four BSF helicopters are keeping air surveillance to monitor anti social elements.Chief Electoral officer Sudhir Kumar Rakesh has appealed electorates of the state not to be scared and come in large numbers to excercise their right of franchise. Mr Rakesh said that Observers and Micro Observers have been appointed to ensure free and fair polls.The Congress is contesting on all seats. BSP is contesting from 40 constituencies. While Janta Dal (United) is contesting from 25 seats,all BJP is contesting is remaining 17. RJD has fielded candidates in 26 and its ally LJP in 16. CPI is contesting from13 seats and CPM is in contest in 6 seats.AIR correspondent reports from Bhagalpur, polling started on a dull note because of rain. During first two hours only 8.5 percent votes were cast in Bhagalpur while 7.5 percent in Munger district. Voter’s turnout increased after weather cleared and voting percentage reached to 27 percent in Bhagalpur, 27.66 in Munger and 22.50 in Lakhisarai district till 12 PM.In Bhagalpur, Electronic Voting Machines were replaced at about 2 dozen places as technical snag were developed in the EVMs. It affected commencement of voting. In Nathnagar constituency of the district people are not coming at six polling booths under Sobour area to press their demands for a bridge on a local river. At several places people were denied to cast their votes as their names were missing. Of them some were carrying even voter identity card.
News On AIR | November 1, 2010 2:46 PM
Brisk polling reported in 4th phase of Bihar assembly elections