Bihar polls: 56% turn up for final round

Voters stand in a serpentine queue to cast their ballot at a polling station in Thakurganj in Kishanganj district yesterday

Patna: Curtains came down yesterday on the staggered five-phase assembly elections in Bihar that pitted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP-led combine against the Grand Alliance of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, with more than half of the 1.55 crore electorate turning out to vote in the final round.

Voters stand in a serpentine queue to cast their ballot at a polling station in Thakurganj in Kishanganj district yesterday. Pic/PTI

Polling in the last 57 of the 243 constituencies across seven districts: Kishanganj, Purnea, Araria and Katihar
in Seemanchal region, and Saharsa, Madhepura and Supaul in Kosi region, saw a 56 per cent turnout. The 57 constituencies cover some of Bihar's most backward pockets, notorious for poverty, illiteracy and mass migration. Balloting was by and large peaceful, even as stray clashes took place between rival groups.

Eight voters were injured when central paramilitary forces resorted to baton charge at polling booths in Araria and Katihar districts. Four voters were injured at a polling booth in Jokihat assembly constituency in Araria, as security forces baton-charged villagers after someone attacked an on-duty security personnel.

Similarly, security personnel had to use force at a polling booth in Katihar district to disperse anti-social elements trying to indulge in bogus voting, in which four people were injured, officials said.
Meanwhile, most exit polls have predicted a close fight.

Nov 8 Date set for counting

243 No. of constituencies that went to polls

66.8mn
Total number of electorate in Bihar