Patna: Around 60 per cent of voting was recorded in the five Lok Sabha seats that went to the polls in Bihar in the third phase of polling on Tuesday.
During this phase, the RJD from the grand alliance and JD(U) of the NDA were locked in a fierce battle in three seats while two NDA partners, the BJP and LJP, contested one seat each.
Of the five seats, three are currently held by the grand alliance and two by the NDA. In Madhepura, sitting MP Pappu Yadav’s entry into the poll fray as an Independent made the contest triangular. In 2014 Pappu Yadav had contested on an RJD ticket and defeated JD(U)’s nominee Sharad Yadav.
However, this time an RJD-nominated Sharad Yadav is taking on senior JD(U) leader and state disaster management minister Dinesh Chandra Yadav.
The overall percentage recorded after the third phase of polling on Tuesday in Madhepura was 59.12 per cent. Sources said Sharad Yadav, a four-time MP, is banking on the RJD’s traditional Muslim-Yadav (M-Y) and EBC vote bank. As per an assessment, the Yadavs are about 22 per cent, Muslims 12 per cent and Dalits 13.5 per cent in the constituency.
Analysts say division of votes in Madhepura is likely as three heavyweights belonging to the same caste are locked in battle.
“JD(U) nominee Dinesh Yadav may gain in case Yadav votes splits in Madhepura. Pappu Yadav has made the fight triangular,” sources said.
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