97.96 PERCENT VOTING IN MLC BY-ELECTION, COUNTING ON MAY 14: DM

97.96 PERCENT VOTING IN MLC BY-ELECTION, COUNTING ON MAY 14: DM

13-MAY-ENG 6

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------The by-election for the Bhojpur-cum-Buxar Local Authorities' Constituency (No. 26) of the Bihar Legislative Council concluded peacefully and fairly on Tuesday. Voting took place from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. During this period, a total voter turnout of 97.96 percent was recorded. This information was shared by Bhojpur District Magistrate and Returning Officer, Tanay Sultania, during a press conference on Tuesday.

He stated that the voting process was conducted between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. A total of 25 polling stations were established across the Bhojpur and Buxar districts. Armed forces, along with Magistrates and police officials, were deployed at every polling station. Zonal Officers were assigned duties in each block. Additionally, Super Zonal Officers were deployed to conduct mobile inspections across the area. Arrangements for videography and webcasting were made at every polling booth. Combining the districts of Bhojpur and Buxar, there was a total of 6,086 voters, comprising 2,832 male voters and 3,254 female voters. The Returning Officer stated that, based on the reports received so far from the Presiding Officers, a combined voter turnout of 97.96 percent was recorded across both districts; specifically, 98.24 percent of male voters and 97.72 percent of female voters cast their votes.

The voting process was conducted in a peaceful and impartial atmosphere. Following the conclusion of the voting process, the ballot boxes are being transported to the Government Girls' +2 High School in Arrah. Magistrates, police officers, and armed forces personnel have been deployed at this location as well. The vote counting is scheduled to commence on May 14 at 8:00 AM at the Government Girls' +2 High School in Arrah, under strict security arrangements.

With the conclusion of voting for the Bihar Legislative Council by-election, the fate of six candidates has been sealed within the ballot boxes. The counting of votes will take place on May 14 at the Government Girls' +2 School in Arrah. Consequently, stringent security measures have been implemented at the counting center. The fate of the candidates will be decided on May 14. A total of six candidates are in the fray for this by-election: Kanhaiya Prasad (son of Radhacharan Sah) representing the JD(U); Sonu Kumar Rai (RJD); Kanhaiya Prasad (son of Ram Layak Mahto)—Independent; Niranjan Kumar Rai—Independent; Manoj Kumar Upadhyay—Independent; and Lalu Prasad Yadav—Independent.