Record 94 per cent polling in Bihar council poll

A record 94 <g data-gr-id="36">per cent</g> polling was recorded in Tuesday’s election to 24 legislative council seats in Bihar, which has been billed as a semifinal ahead of the crucial assembly polls scheduled later this year.

The Election Commission said the figures were preliminary as the final polling figure from various districts would reach it in a couple of days.

Additional Chief Electoral Officer(ACEO) R Lakshmanan <g data-gr-id="31">said</g> “Voters participation was very good in the polls on Tuesday and 94 <g data-gr-id="29">per cent</g> of the 1.39 lakh voters exercised their franchise. The percentage may increase after final figures come from the districts.”

He said around 15 cases of violation of model code of conduct were registered against various 

candidates, including Education Minister PK Shahi and Road Construction Minister Lalan Singh.

FIRs were registered against Shahi and Singh for violation of the model code of conduct like <g data-gr-id="22">use</g> of <g data-gr-id="23">official</g> vehicle and red beacon light while voting, he said.

The two ministers later on surrendered themselves at Gandhi Maidan police station and took bail from there.

Lakshmanan also said around Rs 3 lakh in cash was seized by EC flying squads from various places like Begusarai and Khagaria.

Polling was held in 534 booths and Nalanda reported the maximum turnout of 98.71 per cent, followed by 98.42 per cent in Saran and 98.28 per cent in Buxar.