Fernandes loses organisational poll

Patna, Apr 11 (UNI) Veteran political leader George Fernandes faced a humiliating defeat to parliamentary board chairman Sharad Yadav in a high pitch poll battle for office of national president of JD(U) amid boycott of election by a large number of eligible voters.

Mr Fernandes was forced to bite the dust when Mr Yadav polled 413 votes against only 25 votes managed by the former. Out of 571 eligible voters, 448 turned up for polling of which 10 votes were declared invalid.

Several state units boycotted the polling alleging irregularities in the process of conducting the election.

Earlier during the day X X X picking up from para two of CA 45, POLITICS-BIHAR-JD(U)-SHARAD.

UNI DH/RS/BNG TJP MSJ HS2140