Bihar witnessed a strong voter response in the second phase of Assembly elections, recording a turnout of 60.40 per cent till 3 p.m. on Tuesday, according to data from the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The highest voter turnout was reported from Kishanganj district at 66.10 per cent, followed by Purnia (64.22 per cent), Katihar (63.80 per cent), Jamui (63.33 per cent) and Banka (63.03 per cent).
According to the ECI’s Voter Turnout application, Nawada registered a turnout of 53.17 per cent by 3 p.m. Other districts reported 59.80 per cent in Araria, 58.26 per cent in Arwal, 60.59 per cent in Aurangabad, 58.37 per cent in Bhagalpur, 58.72 per cent in Jehanabad, 62.26 per cent in Kaimur (Bhabua), 61.99 per cent in Paschim Champaran, and 62.74 per cent in Gaya.
Purvi Champaran recorded 61.92 per cent, Rohtas 55.92 per cent, Sheohar 61.85 per cent, Sitamarhi 58.32 per cent, Supaul 62.06 per cent, and Madhubani 55.33 per cent voter turnout till 3 p.m.
Constituency wise, Supaul saw a turnout of 61.16 per cent, Sasaram 55.87 per cent, Mohania 63.70 per cent, Kutumba 59.52 per cent, Gaya Town 52.30 per cent, Chainpur 62.72 per cent, Dhamdaha 64.66 per cent, Harsiddhi 60.64 per cent, and Jhanjharpur 51.89 per cent.
This phase will decide the fate of 12 ministers from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Cabinet. JD(U) leaders in the fray include Vijendra Yadav (Supaul), Lesi Singh (Dhamdaha), Jayant Kushwaha (Amarpur), Sumit Singh (Chakai), Mohammad Jama Khan (Chainpur), and Sheela Mandal (Phoolparas).
From the BJP, Prem Kumar (Gaya), Renu Devi (Bettiah), Vijay Kumar Mandal (Sikati), Nitish Mishra (Jhanjharpur), Neeraj Bablu (Chhatapur), and Krishnanandan Paswan (Harsiddhi) are contesting.
The first phase of the Bihar elections saw the highest polling percentage in the state’s history, with a record 65.08 per cent turnout.
Counting of votes will take place on November 14.