(MENAFN- AsiaNet News)

BJP, Congress supporters clash in Araria

A scuffle broke out between Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters at a polling booth in Araria on Tuesday, during voting for the second and final phase of the Bihar assembly election. Congress supporters alleged that BJP supporters called for beating up Congress voters.

Voter turnout at 47.62% till 1 pm

Meanwhile, Bihar recorded a turnout of 47.62 per cent in the second phase of Assembly polls as of 1 pm, according to the data of the Election Commission of India. The highest voter turnout was recorded in Kishanganj district with a voter turnout of 51.86 per cent, followed by 50.95 per cent in Gaya, 50.91 per cent in Jamui and 50.07 per cent in Banka. Madhubani continues to record sluggish turnout at 43.39 per cent as of 1 pm, according to the Voter Turnout application of the ECI. A turnout of 46.87 per cent was recorded in Araria, 47.11 per cent in Arwal, 49.45 per cent in Aurangabad, 45.09 per cent in Bhagalpur, 46.07 per cent in Jahanabad, 49.89 per cent in Kaimur (Bhabua), 48.50 per cent in Katihar, 43.45 per cent in Nawada, 48.91 per cent in Paschim Champaran, and 49.63 per cent in Purnia.

Leaders express confidence, urge peaceful voting

Earlier in the day, Bihar Congress president and Kutumba constituency candidate Rajesh Ram arrived at a polling booth in an e-rickshaw to cast his vote and urged citizens to participate peacefully in what he called the "festival of democracy." He was accompanied by his family to cast a vote.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ashwini Kumar Choubey affirmed the National Democratic Alliance's victory in the Bihar Assembly polls, predicting that it would win more than 180 seats. Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal lauded the increase in voter turnout in the Bihar Assembly elections and expressed confidence in the victory of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Second phase to decide fate of 12 ministers

Voting is underway across 122 constituencies in 20 districts in Bihar amid tight security arrangements. The second phase will decide the fate of 12 ministers from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's cabinet.

Among them are JD(U) leaders Vijendra Yadav (contesting from Supaul assembly constituency), Lesi Singh (Dhamdaha), Jayant Kushwaha (Amarpur), Sumit Singh (Chakai), Mohammad Jama Khan (Chainpur), and Sheela Mandal (Phoolparas). Ministers from the BJP in the fray include Prem Kumar (Gaya), Renu Devi (Bettiah), Vijay Kumar Mandal (Sikati), Nitish Mishra (Jhanjharpur), Neeraj Bablu (Chhatapur), and Krishnanandan Paswan (Harsiddhi).

Key constituencies in fray

Other key constituencies include Sasaram, Imamganj, Mohania, Bihpur, Gopalpur, Pirpainti, Bhagalpur, Sultanganj, and Nathnagar.

Vote counting on November 14

The first phase of the Bihar elections marked the highest polling percentage in the state's history. The state saw a record 65.08 per cent polling in the first phase of polling. Counting of votes will take place on November 14.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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