Patna: Police detained Chhotu Singh, a supporter of Mokama MLA Anant Singh, in Patna on Friday, October 23, while voting was under way for eight seats of the Bihar Legislative Council, Nation Press reported. Chhotu Singh is an expelled JD(U) leader who had been campaigning alongside Anant Singh.

Source: Nation Press

The detention sharpened an open intra-party fight in the Patna Graduates' constituency, where JD(U) MLA Anant Singh is backing Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh against his own party's official candidate, incumbent MLC Neeraj Kumar, who is seeking a fourth consecutive term, Patna Press reported during the campaign.

Source: Patna Press

After the detention, Anant Singh criticised the JD(U) and said the public is the real master, The World Opinion reported. His criticism of Neeraj Kumar is his own stated position; the JD(U) leadership's response to the detention had not been reported at the time of publication.

Source: The World Opinion

Scuffle reported in Mokama

Shortly before voting for the graduates' constituency began, a clash broke out between two groups in Mokama. Eyewitnesses said supporters of the JD(U) and the Jan Suraaj Party argued near a polling station and the argument turned into a minor scuffle; police present at the spot brought the situation under control and detained four people, The World Opinion reported. Nation Press also reported that rival groups clashed near a Mokama polling station on Friday.

Source: The World Opinion

Voting on Friday covered four Graduates' and four Teachers' constituencies, with 164 candidates in the fray, and counting is scheduled for October 27, Patna Press reported.

Source: Patna Press

Polling closed on Friday evening and results will be declared after counting on October 27. Awaaz Punjab will update this story if police or the JD(U) issue a formal statement on the detention.