New Delhi, Apr 24 (PTI) The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday extended the poll timings by two hours in some assembly segments in four parliamentary constituencies of Bihar for enhanced voter participation amid the heatwave.

According to a notification, the poll timing in Banka, Madhepura, Khagaria and Munger Lok Sabha constituencies was from 7 am to 4 pm.

Also Read | Nitin Gadkari Faints Due to Heat: Union Minister Faints and Collapses on Stage While Addressing Yavatmal Poll Rally; Fine Now (Watch Videos).

But after considering a request of the chief electoral officer, Bihar to extend the polling hours in these constituencies in view of the prevailing heatwave and consultations with political parties and other stakeholders "to increase voters' participation", the EC has decided to change the polling hours in these seats, the notification said.

The poll panel has now extended the poll timings by two hours, from 7 am to 6 pm, in some polling stations of the various assembly segments of these Lok Sabha seats. In other polling stations under these constituencies, the poll timings remain 7 am to 4 pm.

Also Read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 2: High-Voltage Campaigning Ends for Second Phase in 89 Seats Across 13 States on April 26.

Depending on the size of a state and its population, parliamentary constituencies consist of various assembly seats or segments.

The usual poll timings are 7 am to 6 pm but they vary depending on the terrain, time of sunset and security situation.

Banka, Madhepura, Khagaria and Munger go to polls in different phases.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)