8-10% cast their votes in the first three hours in Bihar

Amid reports of boycott by voters and technical fault in EVMs at some polling centres, an estimated 8-10% voters exercised their franchise in the first three hours of polling in the second phase in Bihar's 13 parliamentary constituencies.

Long queues of voters were seen at several booths in Valmikinagar, East Champaran, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur and Sheohar, official sources said.

A report from Sitamarhi, quoting official sources, said people boycotted voting at five booths in Dumra and other adjoining areas to protest lack of development in their area.

Initially, reports of technical fault in EVMs poured in from some booths in Sitamarhi, Valmikinagar, East Champaran and Darbhanga Lok Sabha seats, but the machines were immediately attended to by the engineers. 

Indo-Nepal border connecting the naxal-hit constituencies of Valmikinagar, West Champaran, East Champaran, Madhubani and Sitamarhi in the state have been sealed and shoot-at-sight orders remained in force to conduct free, fair and peaceful poll, official sources said.