Around 66.9% voter turnout was recorded in the second phase of the Bihar elections, which covered several crucial seats in the regions of Magadh, Champaran, and Seemanchal – areas widely regarded as decisive in every election. The first phase, which took place on November 6, witnessed a record 65.08% voter turnout. Results will be declared on November 14.
“Today, voters have also made history in independent India today. They cast the highest percentage of votes in all elections held since 1951, at approximately 66.9%. Women have expressed their complete faith in the Election Commission, resulting in the highest voter turnout ever, at 71%,” Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said in a press briefing.
In the last assembly elections, the second phase in 2020 recorded a 58.8% voter turnout, compared to 58.3% and 53.8% during the second phases in 2015 and 2010, respectively.
The contest has shaped up into a fierce battle between the ruling NDA and the resurgent Mahagathbandhan. Adding intrigue to the race is Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party, seen as the ‘X’ factor that could tilt outcomes in several seats. Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM is also in the fray, and may play spoilsport in the Seemanchal region, where Muslim and Dalit voters are key to the final arithmetic.
Polling is being held under tight security following the blast near Delhi’s iconic Red Fort, which left 8 dead and over 20 injured.
Here are the latest developments
-
A record voter turnout of 68.79 per cent was registered provisionally at the close of polling in 122 seats in the second and final phase of assembly elections in Bihar on Tuesday, Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Singh Gunjiyal said.
-
The second and final phase of voting held on Tuesday saw a historic turnout among women. Female voters once again outnumbered men, with a turnout of 74.03% compared to 64.1% for male voters. Overall, the voter turnout stood at 71.6% for women and 62.8% for men.
-
As per the latest figures, districts where the voter turnout was more than 70 per cent include Katihar (78.39), Kishanganj (77.91), Purnea (75.87) and Paschim Champaran (70.75). Besides, Jamui recorded 69.63 per cent, Araria (69.54) and Gaya (68.63).
-
HAM, led by Jitan Ram Manjhi, holds four of the six seats it is contesting in this phase, including Imamganj and Barachatti. Notably, Deepa Manjhi (daughter-in-law) and Jyoti Devi (relative) are key candidates for the party, which relies on its core support in these constituencies.
-
VIP, under Mukesh Sahni, is contesting roughly 15 seats, with its performance in this phase seen as vital. Sahni has been promised the post of Deputy Chief Minister if the Mahagathbandhan wins, and the party is aiming to leverage its influence among the Nishad and Extremely Backward Classes communities, which make up a significant portion of Bihar’s electorate.
-
Upendra Kushwaha’s RLM is also in the spotlight, contesting six seats. The party’s showing could impact the NDA’s prospects, with Kushwaha’s wife Snehlata making her debut from Sasaram. RLM is expected to split votes in key areas, especially among the Koeri community.
-
In Seemanchal, AIMIM is focusing on consolidating Muslim votes in constituencies such as Kishanganj, Araria, and Purnia. The party, led by Asaduddin Owaisi, seeks to repeat its five-seat win from 2020 and position itself as a challenger to traditional parties by emphasizing development and empowerment of marginalized communities.
-
Prominent candidates include Bijendra Prasad Yadav (JD-U) seeking an eighth term from Supaul, BJP’s Prem Kumar from Gaya Town, and former deputy chief minister Tarkishore Prasad from Katihar. Other high-profile contests feature turncoats like Sangita Kumari, Vibha Devi, and Murari Gautam, who have shifted party allegiances since the last poll.
-
Of the total electorate, 1.75 crore are women, and the majority fall in the 30-60 age group, underlining the diverse demographic taking part in this crucial phase.
– Ends
