Patna, 23 October (H.S.): Polling for eight seats in the Bihar Legislative Council concluded on Friday, with the four graduate constituencies recording a voter turnout of 43.87 per cent and the four teachers’ constituencies registering a significantly higher turnout of 74.55 per cent by 4 pm.

According to information provided by the office of Bihar’s Chief Electoral Officer, the Kosi Graduates’ constituency recorded the highest turnout among the graduate seats at 52.51 per cent. Among the teachers’ constituencies, Saran topped the list with 87.16 per cent polling.

The constituency-wise turnout figures were as follows:

Graduate Constituencies

- Patna: 36.19 per cent

- Tirhut: 42.15 per cent

- Darbhanga: 42 per cent

- Kosi: 52.51 per cent

Teachers’ Constituencies

- Patna: 56.89 per cent

- Saran: 87.16 per cent

- Tirhut: 78.10 per cent

- Darbhanga: 79 per cent

During the election to the Darbhanga Graduates’ constituency, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary exercised his franchise at a polling station in the Dalshingsarai block office complex in Samastipur district. Emphasising the importance of democratic participation, he said exercising the right to vote was essential for strengthening democracy.

Meanwhile, BJP candidate Nawal Kishor Yadav expressed confidence in his prospects in the teachers’ constituency. Speaking to the media, he claimed that all rival candidates would forfeit their security deposits and asserted that his victory would be larger than in previous elections.

Yadav said the support he was receiving from teachers had left his opponents rattled, prompting them to make baseless allegations against him. He alleged that his rivals were attempting to advance their own interests by targeting him and maintained that teachers had known him for 30 years, adding that the allegations would not affect their support.

In a separate development, supporters of Anant Singh expressed confidence that their preferred candidate would win the Patna Graduates’ constituency by a substantial margin. An atmosphere of enthusiasm prevailed at Singh’s residence, where supporters celebrated with fireworks and exchanged congratulations.

Singh has extended his support to Anuj Singh, the Jan Suraaj Party candidate from the Patna Graduates’ constituency, despite reportedly facing opposition within his own political camp. He has repeatedly stated that he would do everything possible to prevent JD(U) candidate Neeraj Kumar from winning the seat.

The Patna Graduates’ constituency has emerged as a closely watched three-cornered contest. Sitting MLC Neeraj Kumar is contesting as the JD(U) candidate, while the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has fielded Dilip Kumar. Anuj Singh is contesting on the Jan Suraaj Party ticket and has the backing of Anant Singh.

The results of the eight Legislative Council constituencies are scheduled to be declared after counting on October 27.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar