Patna: A total 53.54 per cent voters exercised their franchise as polling was conducted peacefully on Wednesday in 71 assembly constituencies in Bihar for the first phase of assembly elections.
H.R. Srinivas, Chief electoral officer of Bihar said elections for the first phase were held across 16 districts including the four Naxal-affected districts of Gaya, Aurangabad, Lakhisarai and Shekhpura.
Srinivas pointed out that the polling percentage was almost similar to 2015 when the turnout was 54.57 per cent.
An official of the state Election Commission said that the first phase of polling was peaceful, with no major untoward incident reported from anywhere so far.
In the first phase, polling was held in 71 assembly constituencies spread over 16 districts of the state.
Out of these 71 seats, the RJD has 25 seats while the JD(U) has 23 seats. In addition, the BJP has 13 and the Congress eight.
In Bihar, elections are being held in three phases for 243 assembly seats. Counting of votes will be held on 10th November.
