RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and his wife Rajshree Yadav, party leaders and former Bihar CMs Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi and others show their fingers marked with indelible ink after casting votes, in Patna. (PTI Photo)
PATNA: Voting in the first phase of the Bihar assembly elections concluded with a 57.9% turnout in Patna district that was driven by enthusiastic participation from both young voters and senior citizens across the urban constituencies. The district average of 57.93% is a clear rise from 51.12% in 2020 as polling stations in Bankipur, Digha, Kumhrar and Patna Sahib hummed with energy through the day.In Digha, the polling percentage reached 41.4%, up from 36.86% in 2020. Bankipur recorded 40.97% compared to 35.85% five years ago. Kumhrar saw a 39.57% voter turnout, an increase from 35.22% in 2020, while the highest jump was in Patna Sahib, where 59.93% of voters cast their ballots, up from 52.22% in the last election. Despite the usual logistical hiccups, the mood reflected a shared desire for jobs, development and accountability.Sarita Kumari (20), a first-time voter, flaunted her inked finger at a polling booth in Shastri Nagar and took selfies with her friend. Better education, a better system and employment opportunities, she said, were the issues she kept in mind while voting.A resident of Ashiana, college student K P Mishra (19) said he was thrilled. “Bihar has transformed significantly from the past. I remember the situation when I was in school. And now I am doing graduation and truly enjoy living here,” he said.”We have waited too long for real change – jobs for youth, better roads and reliable power. The one job per family promise is luring. We want a better future for our kids,” 55-year-old Sharad Kumar said at a polling station in Gulzarbagh. Meanwhile, tensions flickered over two women allegedly denied their vote at a Veterinary College booth, sparking brief protests. Responding, Patna district magistrate Thiyagrajan S M told TOI: “There was some glitch. We talked to the presiding officer and the matter was sorted out. No issue was reported from any polling booth. Voting went off peacefully,” he said.
