A voter turnout of 14.55 per cent was recorded in the second phase of the Bihar Assembly elections till 9 a.m., according to data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI). The turnout is slightly higher than the 13.13 per cent recorded at the same time during the first phase of polling.
Among the 20 districts voting today, Gaya registered the highest turnout at 15.97 per cent, followed by Kishanganj (15.81 per cent) and Jamui (15.77 per cent). The lowest turnout so far was reported from Madhubani, with 13.25 per cent.
As of 9 a.m., voter turnout in other districts stood at: Araria (15.34 per cent), Arwal (14.95 per cent), Aurangabad (15.43 per cent), Banka (15.14 per cent), Bhagalpur (13.43 per cent), Jehanabad (13.81 per cent), Kaimur/Bhabua (15.08 per cent), Katihar (13.77 per cent), Nawada (13.46 per cent), Paschim Champaran (15.04 per cent), Purnia (15.54 per cent), Purvi Champaran (14.11 per cent), Rohtas (14.16 per cent), Sheohar (13.94 per cent), Sitamarhi (13.49 per cent), and Supaul (14.85 per cent).
In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Today is the second and final phase of voting in the Bihar Assembly elections. My request to all voters is that they participate actively and create a new record in voting. I have a special appeal to the young companions of the state who are voting for the first time — they should not only cast their vote but also inspire others to do so.”
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also appealed to people to prioritise voting above their daily chores.
In a post on X, he said, “In democracy, voting is not only our right but also our duty. Today, voting for the second phase of the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections is taking place — all voters are urged to exercise their voting rights without fail. Vote and inspire others to do so as well. Vote first, then refreshments.”
Polling began at 7 a.m. across 122 constituencies in 20 districts, covering approximately 3.7 crore voters.
A total of 3,70,13,556 electors are eligible to vote in this phase, including 1,95,44,041 male, 1,74,68,572 female, and 943 third-gender voters.
This phase will decide the fate of 12 ministers from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Cabinet. Among them are JD(U) leaders Vijendra Yadav (Supaul), Lesi Singh (Dhamdaha), Jayant Kushwaha (Amarpur), Sumit Singh (Chakai), Mohammad Jama Khan (Chainpur), and Sheela Mandal (Phoolparas).
BJP ministers contesting in this phase include Prem Kumar (Gaya), Renu Devi (Bettiah), Vijay Kumar Mandal (Sikati), Nitish Mishra (Jhanjharpur), Neeraj Bablu (Chhatapur), and Krishnanandan Paswan (Harsiddhi).
Other key constituencies in this phase include Sasaram, Imamganj, Mohania, Bihpur, Gopalpur, Pirpainti, Bhagalpur, Sultanganj, and Nathnagar.
Of the 122 seats going to polls, 11 are in East Champaran, 10 each in Madhubani and Gaya, nine in West Champaran, eight in Sitamarhi, and seven each in Bhagalpur, Rohtas, Purnia, and Katihar. Six seats each are voting in Araria and Aurangabad, while Nawada, Banka, and Supaul have five each. Kaimur, Jamui, and Kishanganj have four each, Jehanabad has three, Arwal has two, and Sheohar has one.
In the 2020 Assembly elections, out of these 122 seats, the BJP had won 42, the RJD 33, the JD(U) 20, the Congress 11, and the Left parties collectively five.
The NDA, comprising the BJP, JD(U), HAM(S), LJP (RV), and allies, is seeking to retain power for a second consecutive term. The Mahagathbandhan, including the RJD, Congress, Left parties, and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), is aiming to return to power. The Jan Suraaj Party is also contesting across several seats.
The first phase of polling saw the highest voter turnout in Bihar’s history at 65.08 per cent, with all major parties — including Jan Suraaj — claiming that the high participation reflected support for their respective alliances.
Apart from Bihar, bye-elections are also being held in eight Assembly constituencies spread across six states and one Union Territory — Budgam and Nagrota (Jammu and Kashmir), Anta (Rajasthan), Ghatsila (Jharkhand), Jubilee Hills (Telangana), Tarn Taran (Punjab), Dampa (Mizoram), and Nuapada (Odisha).
(ANI)