42.95 percent polling in 8 hours in Bihar

An estimated 42.95 percent of more than 1.62 crore electorate exercised their franchise amid tight security arrangements till 3 pm in seventh and final phase of Lok Sabha election in eight constituencies in Bihar.

Sources at the office of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar, said that the highest polling of 49.89 percent was recorded in Patliputra Parliamentary Constituency followed by Buxar 45.90 percent, Karakat 45.06, Sasaram 44.80, Jehanabad 43.46, Aarah 40.98, Nalanda 38.49 and Patna Sahib 36.85 percent.

No untoward incidents was reported from anywhere so far where polliing was in progress, sources added.

Meanwhile BJP lodged a complaint with the election commission for violation of model code of conduct by RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav for using his party's towel while casting his vote.

A report from Buxar said that the voters in protest against non-availability of road and water for irrigation boycotted polling at Booth number 308. However, the district magistrate informed that after persuasion some people have exercise their franchise at the said booth and hence it was not complete boycott of the polling.

A total of 1,62,04,594 electorate including 85,01,620 males and 77,02,559 females are eligible to exercise their franchise to decide fate of 134 candidates in eight seats. Out of total 16,634 booths, all women managed booths are 146 and model booths are 117. Arrangements for webcasting have been made at 7,878 booths.

Prominent candidates whose fate would be decided are Union Minister R K Singh, former Union Ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad, Upendra Kushwaha, Ram Kripal Yadav, Misa Bharti and Pawan Singh.

Polling which began at 7 AM would continue till 6 PM.

Polling for six of seven phased Lok Sabha elections in Bihar were earlier held in 32 seats. Counting of votes would be taken up on June 4.