Patna: One person was injured in a bomb explosion and shoot-outs were reported soon after the polling began in Bihar this morning (Apr 20, 2004).

Police sources said unidentified criminals triggered a bomb blast at booth No. 131 at Gursahari in Barh Lok Sabha constituency of Railway Minister and senior Janata Dal-United (JD-U) leader, Nitish Kumar.

The right hand of a youth was blown off in the blast, sources said adding the criminals later fled.

Elections 2004-The Drama unfolds...
Political Parties in India

Kumar is pitted against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) nominee and former Bihar Minister Vijay Krishna in a straight contest in Barh.

Gunmen also opened fire several rounds before booths at Khgaul, Birla colony, new bypass road and Kankerbagh to intimidate the voters. No casualty was reported.

Union Small-scale Industries Minister C P Thakur is seeking a third term from Patna.