Over Rs 13 lakh cash seized in Bihar, EC guidelines on festive days

Patna: In its drive to curb misuse of money power in poll-bound Bihar, the authorities on Saturday seized Rs

13.70 lakh unaccounted cash besides 8827 litres of illicit liquor from different places in the state.

The State Election Commission also issued certain guidelines for not using the coming festive days for political purpose in the seats where polling would take place in next phases.

The authorities seized Rs 6.04 lakh cash from Gopalganj, district, Rs 3.04 lakh in Rohtas, Rs 1.46 lakh in West Champaran, Rs 1.32 lakh in Madhubani, Rs 1.30 lakh in Siwan and Rs 51,000 in Vaishali district, a release issued by the office of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), said.

As per the directive of Election Commission to ensure peaceful and fair elections in the state, the authorities have seized 8827 litres of illicit liquor - both country made and foriegn - during the raids at various places, he said.

The commission has also issued guidelines for holding/celebrating various programmes and functions during festivals making it clear that any Durga puja celebrations would not be used for political purposes in any way and if the organisers violate the provisions, the commission would take stern action against erring persons under various sections and model code of conduct, the release said.

The Commission also made it clear that as per the Supreme Court's judgement political parties would be allowed to use loudspeakers from 6 am to 10 pm for holding procession/meetings for political purposes.

A total of 786 candidates were left in the fray for 55 assembly constituencies which would go to polls in fourth phase, the release said.

After the scrutiny of nomination papers, 814 candidates were found eligible to contest elections but 28 people withdrew their nomination papers, it said.

A total of 861 candidates' nomination papers were found correct after the scrutiny in the fifth and final phase of polling in 57 assembly constituencies.

A total of 899 candidates had filed nomination papers for these 57 seats but 38 papers were rejected after scrutiny.