Millions vote in Bihar's first election in shadow of COVID-19

Over 50% vote in first of the 3-phase election, which will decide if Nitish will win a fourth term as CM; ‘Darkness of lantern era over,’ says Modi; Grand Alliance seeks CM’s dismissal over Munger incident

PATNA

Polling for the first phase of elections in the Bihar Assembly elections gathered momentum on Wednesday afternoon.

More than 50 per cent people voted in the first of the three-phase election in Bihar, which will decide if Nitish Kumar will win a fourth term as Chief Minister.

Voting started at a sluggish pace due to technical glitches at some of the polling booths.

Keeping in mind the Coronavirus pandemic and fear of violence in areas affected by Maoist extremists, voting was far from brisk in the morning hours.

Violent incidents were reported in some parts of Bihar including in Kaimur district where two groups comprising more than 50 people attacked each other.

They were dispersed by paramilitary force personnel. The situation is now under control.

Tekari is another place apart from Ara where an altercation between supporters of two alliances was reported.

Election for the first phase is currently underway in 16 districts of Bihar including some districts that are perceived as Maoist-dominated.

The Election Commission has established 31,380 polling booths in these districts. There are 1,066 candidates are testing their luck in the first phase.