Bihar polls: 35.68 percent turnout till 12 pm

In Gopalganj, a policeman at Booth Number 105 tried to force voters to vote for Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate Reyazul Haque.

The polling hours have been reduced to 3 p.m.in four constituencies and to 4 p.m.in other eight constituencies in the sensitive areas, officials said.

The voting in the fourth phase of Bihar Assembly election in 55 constituencies spread over seven districts ended peacefully on Sunday, with 57.59 per cent of voters exercising their franchise.

Tens of thousands of people, including many women, stood in serpentine queues at polling stations since early Sunday to cast their vote in this phase. Buoyed by the reports of the party doing very well in the polling on October 28, the party is hopeful of better perofrmance in the fourth phase also. JD(U), at that time an ally of BJP, had emerged victorious in 24. RJD, JDU and Indian National Congress (INC) formed an alliance where RJD is fielding candidates in 26 constituencies, JDU in 21 constituencies while Congress in 8 constituencies.

Altogether 1163 companies (each comprising 100 personnel) of Central Paramilitary Force and state police has been posted to ensure free and fair elections. Votes will be counted on November 8.

Being a penultimate and high-staked phase, major political opponents, BJP-led NDA and JD (U)-led Grand Secular Alliance were seen locking horns in a tough battle. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address three election rallies in Madhubani, Katihar and Madhepura today.

“We’re very hopeful and will get more than 45 seats in this phase”, said BJP leader and former journalist Devesh Kumar while RJD spokesperson Mritunjay Tiwari claimed 50 seats in favour of the grand alliance.