Patna, Apr 19 (UNI) Despite best efforts made by Election Commission and appeals from top leaders and celebrities, poll percentage in first phase of Lok Sabha elections in Bihar could reach only 48.23 per cent, which is 5.24 per cent less than polling of 2019 general elections in the state.
Polling was held in Jamui, Gaya, Aurangabad and Nawada seats for first phase of Lok Sabha elections in the state on Friday.
Only 48.23 per cent polling was registered, which was 5.24 per cent less of voting witnessed during 2019 Lok Sabha elections as then figure was 53.47 per cent.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) H R Srinivasan said that he had expected for an increase in poll percentage but at last, it remained 5.24 per cent, less than the figure of last election.
He would hold a meeting to analyse why low polling was registered in first phase of Lok Sabha elections in the state, he said.
All possible efforts would be made to increase poll percentage in remaining six phases of Lok Sabha elections, he said.
Srinivasan said that scorching heat could be the reason behind low percentage of the polling.
All arrangements like providing safe drinking water and other basic facilities were made available at booths but still voters turnout remained low, he noted.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Samrat Chaudhary claimed that NDA would win all four of 40 seats in Bihar, where polling was held in first phase of Lok Sabha elections.
People had made up their mind to give another term to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he added.
On the other hand, Leader of the Opposition Tejaswi Prasad Yadav claimed that INDIA bloc was set to bag all four seats.
People were fed up with hollow promises made by PM Modi, he remarked.
In all four seats, there is straight contest between NDA and INDIA bloc candidates.
Former Bihar chief minister Jeetan Ram Manjhi of HAM, a constituent of NDA, has locked horns with Kumar Sarvajeet of RJD, a constituent of INDIA bloc.
In Gaya Lok Sabha seat. Rajesh Kumar, father of Sarvajeet had defeated Manjhi in 1991 Lok Sabha elections. Sushma Kumari of BSP is also in the fray from this seat.
In Aurangabad, Sushil Kumar Singh, sitting BJP MP, who has been winning from this seat since 2009 Lok Sabha elections, is contesting against RJD's Abhay Kushwaha.
In Nawada, BJP has fielded Vivek Thakur, son of former Union minister Dr C P Thakur. RJD has made Shrawan Kushwaha its candidate. Both Thakur and Kushwaha are contesting this Lok Sabha elections for first time. Independent candidates Vinod Yadav and a popular Bhojpuri singer Gunjan Singh are also in the fray.
Nawada seat was represented by Chandan Singh of LJP in 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
In Jamui, Chirag Paswan has fielded his brother-in-law Arun Bharti as candidate of LJP(RV), a constituent of NDA. Chirag himself had emerged victorious from this seat in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. RJD has fielded Archana Das, wife of a local RJD leader Mukesh Yadav, as its candidate.
During 2019 Lok Sabha elections, NDA had bagged all the four seats, while Grand Alliance failed to open its account.
Chandan Singh of LJP from Nawada, Chirag Paswan of LJP from Jamui, Sushil Kumar Singh of BJP from Aurangabad and Vijay Kumar of JD(U) from Gaya had emerged victorious.
UNI KKS SS