Patna: The first phase of polling for the Bihar Assembly elections witnessed sporadic violence on Thursday, with CPM MLA Satyendra Yadav attacked in Chhapra’s Manjhi constituency even as voter turnout reached 53.77% by 3pm across 121 assembly seats in 18 districts, including Saran.
According to reports, Yadav — who represents the Manjhi seat — was out inspecting polling booths when a group of unidentified miscreants manhandled him and vandalised his vehicle. The attack occurred near Daudpur, where stones were reportedly thrown at his car, shattering its windshield.
Police officials said the incident took place as the MLA’s convoy reached Jaitpur village under the Manjhi Assembly area. “Locals began protesting outside the polling station, and during the commotion, the vehicle’s window was damaged by anti-social elements,” the police statement read.
Authorities confirmed that the MLA and his associates escaped unhurt and that the situation was brought under control swiftly. “The law and order situation is normal. Additional police forces have been deployed at the site, and the Sub-Divisional Police Officer is camping there. An FIR has been filed, and legal proceedings are underway,” the police said.
Officials added that polling continues peacefully at booth numbers 42 and 43, where the disturbance initially broke out.
The first phase of Bihar’s two-stage election will decide the fate of over 1,300 candidates. Voting began at 7am and will continue until 6pm, with security forces maintaining heightened vigilance amid reports of minor disruptions from scattered districts.
