In a major setback for the Congress party ahead of the Bihar Assembly election results, senior leader Shakeel Ahmad resigned from the party on Tuesday.
Shakeel Ahmad submitted his resignation letter to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
Speaking to ANI after quitting the party, Ahmad said, “… I mentioned that I am resigning with a heavy heart due to differences with my fellow party members. I will continue to support the policies and principles of the party. I have just resigned from the primary membership…”
In his letter to the party, Shakeel Ahmad expressed the hope that the number of seats of the Congress party will increase in the assembly elections and a strong coalition government will be formed. He mentioned differences with some individuals in the party, but reaffirmed his full faith in its policies and principles, adding that the letter should be considered as his resignation from the primary membership of the Congress.
Shakeel Ahmad further wrote that he had already decided to quit the party but decided to announce it only after the voting process was over as he did not want any negative perception to emerge or cause any harm to the party due to his decision.
Meanwhile, Bihar recorded a high voter turnout of 67.14 percent in the second phase of assembly elections at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, according to Election Commission data.
The highest voter turnout was recorded in Kishanganj district at 76.26 percent, followed by 75.23 percent in Katihar, 73.79 percent in Purnia, 70.69 percent in Supaul, 69.02 percent in Purvi Champaran and 68.91 percent in Bankaal.
Nawada recorded 57.11 percent voter turnout till 5 pm, according to ECI’s Voter Turnout app.
Voter turnout of 67.79 percent was recorded in Araria, 63.06 percent in Arwal, 64.48 percent in Aurangabad, 66.03 percent in Bhagalpur, 64.36 percent in Jahanabad, 67.22 percent in Kaimur (69 percent Bhabua), Paschim (Bhabua 2) 67.50 percent in Gaya.
Jamui recorded a voter turnout of 67.81 percent, 60.09 percent in Rohtas, 67.31 percent in Sheohar, 65.28 percent in Sitamarhi and 61.79 percent in Madhubani.
The second phase will decide the fate of 12 ministers from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s cabinet. Among them are JD (U) leaders Vijendra Yadav (contesting from Supaul constituency), Lesi Singh (Dhamdaha), Jayant Kushwaha (Amarpur), Sumit Singh (Chakai), Mohammad Jama Khan (Chainpur) and Sheela Mandal (Phoolparas).
BJP ministers in the fray include Prem Kumar (Gaya), Renu Devi (Bettiah), Vijay Kumar Mandal (Sikati), Nitish Mishra (Jhanjharpur), Neeraj Bablu (Chhatapur) and Krishnanandan Paswan (Harsiddhi).
Counting of votes will take place on November 14.
