Bihar MLC Counting: JDU Ahead in Patna, Tension Rises

Patna Graduate Seat: JDU's Neeraj Kumar Gains Edge

In Patna, JDU candidate Neeraj Kumar has moved ahead in the graduate constituency seat for the Bihar Legislative Council. Early trends show him about 1,200 votes ahead of Jan Suraaj Party's Anuj Singh.

The Patna contest has been closely watched since Mokama MLA Anant Singh, who belongs to the JDU, came out against the party's candidate and extended support to the Jan Suraaj Party. The JDU expelled him as a result. Anant Singh, however, claims that his side will win and has arranged for sweets to be prepared at his residence.

Clashes and allegations outside counting centre

Votes are being counted at the Bankipur Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Patna. Outside the centre, there was a commotion after allegations emerged that bundles of files had been brought out of the counting premises. Workers at the centre stopped the people who were carrying them.

Allegations were also raised that CCTV cameras were absent at the counting centre. Jan Suraaj and Congress leaders protested after seeing two government employees carrying a bag filled with papers. They asked for the documents to be displayed, and the employees' refusal led to tension outside the centre. The employees were later required to open the bag.

Eight seats under decision today

Counting is being held for four graduate constituencies in Patna, Darbhanga, Tirhut and Kosi, and for four teacher constituencies in Patna, Darbhanga, Tirhut and Saran. Voting took place on October 23, with 150 candidates in the race. The BJP and JDU have each fielded candidates on four seats, while the Jan Suraaj Party is contesting all eight.