Despite widespread fears about the Maoists’ terror tactics, Bihar’s sixth and final phase of Assembly polls in 26 constituencies recorded an average 51 per cent voter turnout on Saturday.
Two policemen were killed while trying to defuse a landmine planted by the rebels and over a dozen men, including three journalists, were injured.
The Left-Wing rebels, who have strong presence in southern Bihar, had evidently made considerable efforts to disrupt the polls, but heightened alertness by the security forces — 35,000 security personnel on the ground and four BSF helicopters watching aerially — foiled their plans. The 26 constituencies were in the Maoist-infested districts of Gaya, Aurangabad, Rohtas, Kaimur and Buxar. As many as 426 candidates vied for the 26 seats.
Only 40 per cent votes were cast in Maoist-hit Imamganj constituency, represented in the outgoing Assembly by Speaker Uday Narayan Chaudhary of the ruling JD(U).
Polling began at 7 am in all the 26 constituencies, but ended at 3 pm instead of the regular 5 pm in 18 worst Maoist-affected constituencies, where voter turnout averaged an estimated 48 per cent.