Peaceful ballotting in Bihar assembly by-polls

Patna, Aug 21 (IANS) Voting for the by-election in 10 assembly constituencies in Bihar began Thursday on a peaceful note, officials said.

Voters were seen queuing up to exercise their franchise in most of the constituencies after 7 a.m., officials said, adding there were no reports of violence.

“Voting is underway and around eight percent polling was recorded till 9 a.m.,” an official of the state election commission said.

Additional Director General of Police Gupteshwar Pandey said elaborate security arrangements have made made and personnel of paramilitary forces were deployed as some areas were identified as Maoist-affected.

A total of 2,642,407 voters in the 10 constituencies are eligible to exercise their franchise to decide the fate of 94 candidates, including five women.

The 10 constituencies where by-polls are being held are Narkatiaganj, Rajnagar, Jale, Chapra, Hajipur, Mohiuddinnagar, Parbatta, Bhagalpur, Banka, and Mohania.