Patna: Bihar pulled off yet another peaceful voting on Wednesday as the fear of security personnel forced bahubalis (dons) to run for cover.
Chief secretary G S Kang said about 41 per cent of the 1.43-crore electorate exercised their franchise in 62 Assembly constituencies. The first phase of the polls held on October 18 recorded a turnout of 43 per cent.
The only blot on the otherwise peaceful day was the death of a a man named Santosh Singh in Raghopur constituency in Vaishali district, where ex-chief minister Rabri Devi is contesting.
On the low turnout, Kang said, "We were successful in allowing people cast their votes peacefully." He added, "Earlier, we were apprehensive about this phase as Central forces had not got enough time to spread out and make their presence felt."
About 72,000 security personnel, four helicopters and 25 speed boats were pressed into service to maintain law and order.
Legal adviser to the Election Commission K J Rao monitored polling closely. In Munger, he ordered the suspension of a security personnel who was drunk.
