The fourth phase of the Bihar elections witnessed 57.59 per cent voter turnout in 55 constituencies spread over seven districts today. The turnout was 3 per cent higher than that recorded in 2010.
The highest turnout of 59.96 was recorded in East Champaran (12 seats), while Siwan (eight seats) recorded its lowest turnout of 54.31 per cent. Shivhar witnessed 56.05 per cent polling, Sitamarhi 56.09 per cent, Gopalganj 58.9 per cent, West Champaran 59.17 per cent and Muzaffarpur 56.83 per cent. The turnout in the first, second and the third phases was 57, 54.5 and 53.32 per cent, respectively.
Like previous three phases, women voters outnumbered men today also. Around 60.14 per cent women cast their votes today, while the figure was 54.6 per cent in case of men. The participation by Muslim women voters, however, remained subdued at many booths in Muzaffarpur as compared with their turnout during previous elections.
The fate of Ramai Ram and Manoj Kushwaha, members of the Nitish cabinet, was sealed today. Kushwaha and Ram are in the fray from the Kudhani and Bochaha constituencies, while disgruntled JD-U legislatures Ajit Kumar and Sahid Ali Khan are contesting elections from Kanti and Sursand, respectively.
In all, 14,139 polling stations were set up for 55 constituencies spread over Muzaffarpur, Siwan, Gopalganj, East Champaran, West Champaran, Shivhar and Sitamarhi districts. The total number of registered voters was 1,47,39,120. They sealed the fate of 776 candidates, including 57 women, today.
Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha said at a press conference that at 57.59 per cent, the voter turnout today could be described as a “record”. The last phase of polling will be held on November 5 while the counting will take place on November 8.
The Deputy EC said, “The polling went off peacefully, barring a few incidents of violence.” In Siwan, forces had to open fire in the air to disperse a crowd when members of two communities hurled stones at each other. Personnel of central paramilitary forces had to use “force” at a polling station in Muzaffarpur when three persons allegedly tried to enter a polling compartment. (With PTI inputs)
Previous three phases
Phase I 57%
Phase II 54.5%
Phase III 53.32%
