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Patna, Nov 11 (IANS) Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief Upendra Kushwaha on Tuesday claimed that voting for the second and final phase of Bihar assembly elections is going on smoothly in all constituencies, and public support for the NDA is visible on the ground. Kushwaha claimed that public support for the NDA is clearly visible, especially among women voters, who are voting in large numbers. He said early trends in the second phase were more encouraging than expected and predicted a strong performance for the NDA. It is noteworthy that Kushwaha’s wife Snehlata Kushwaha is contesting elections from Sasaram assembly seat for the first time. In Gaya Urban, BJP candidate Prem Kumar reached his polling station on bicycle. Earlier, he along with his wife Parara Devi offered prayers at a local temple and then cast their vote. Bihar BJP president Dilip Jaiswal also cast his vote in Kishanganj and said, “There is a very good atmosphere everywhere. The long queues at the booths show the tremendous enthusiasm of the voters. I appeal to everyone to cast their vote.” Independent MP from Purnia, Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav alleged irregularities, claiming that there were reports of lathi charge at some polling stations and several EVMs malfunctioned. “This is wrong in a democracy,” he said. “The government will be decided by the people of Seemanchal and Kosi.” Meanwhile, Union Minister of State Satish Chandra Dubey cast his vote in Narkatiaganj, Minister Renu Devi in West Champaran and State Industries Minister Nitish Mishra in Madhubani. BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal along with his wife exercised their franchise in Bettiah. Nitish Mishra is contesting from Jhanjharpur assembly constituency of the district. Voting is currently underway in 122 constituencies – 101 general, 19 SC reserved and 2 ST reserved seats. A total of 1,302 candidates are in the fray – 1,165 men, 136 women and one candidate of the third gender. According to the Election Commission, 3,70,13,556 voters are eligible to vote in this round. Of these, 1,95,56,899 are male voters, which includes 5,28,954 new male voters included in the list after SIR. This includes 1,70,68,572 women, including 4,92,839 new voters. The voters of the third gender are 943, of which 90 are new additions. A total of 7,69,356 voters are in the 18-19 age group – first-time voters in the assembly elections. Counting of votes will take place on November 14. –IANS ajk/svn