Seven candidates file nomination for first, second phases of LS polls in Bihar

A total of seven candidates on Tuesday filed their nomination for the first and second phases of Lok Sabha elections in Bihar. The nomination for the first phase of polling, to be held on April 11, began Monday in Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada and Jamui.

Only one candidate, an Independent, filed his papers Monday. Submission of the papers for the second phase, to be held on April 18, began Tuesday in five constituencies of Kishanganj, Katihar, Purnea, Banka and Bhagalpur. "Four papers were filed for Aurangabad, one for Nawada and two for Purnea," Additional Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Kumar Singh told reporters here. One of the two candidates who filed nomination from Purnea is JD(U) nominee Santosh Kumar.

Singh said a total of 24 complaints of model code of conduct violations have been received so far in the state. He said 627 non-bailable warrants were executed and 58,978 litres of illicit liquor were seized from across Bihar. Police seized 19 illegal arms, 45 cartridges and two bombs were seized during the search operation while 50 arms licenses were cancelled, he said.