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NEW DELHI: The first phase of the Bihar assembly elections on Thursday recorded the state’s highest-ever voter turnout, with 64.66 per cent of 3.75 crore electors exercising their franchise across 121 constituencies. The Election Commission said polling concluded peacefully “in a festive mood with the highest-ever voter turnout of 64.66 per cent in the history of Bihar”. Bihar’s chief electoral officer Vinod Singh Gunjiyal said women voters participated in large numbers with “a lot of enthusiasm”.Several prominent leaders, including Yadav, deputy chief ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, and a number of ministers, were among the 1,314 candidates contesting in this phase.
Violence, accusations and counter-claims
Stray incidents were reported during polling, including an alleged attack on a vehicle in deputy Vijay Kumar Sinha’s convoy. Sinha, seeking a fourth consecutive term from Lakhisarai, alleged that RJD supporters tried to “intimidate” extremely backward class voters.Sinha lashed out at the Lakhisarai Superintendent of Police (SP) and demanded the deployment of a “special force” after his convoy was attacked by people he claimed were supporters of the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). He also had a heated verbal spat with RJD MLC Ajay Kumar. The two leaders were seen hurling abuses at each other as their convoys came face-to-face. As the RJD MLC accused Sinha of being a “criminal”, alleging that he was trying to intimidate voters, Sinha hit back, calling Kumar a “failed leader” and “drunk.” The latter dismissed the “drunk” charge, saying that it was “Mahua” (local liquor).On the other hand, the RJD alleged on X that voting had been “deliberately slowed down” in areas where the INDIA bloc is believed to have strong support. The Election Commission rejected the accusation.At the Manjhi assembly constituency in the Saran district, a vehicle of CPM candidate Dr Satyendra Yadav, representing the Grand Alliance, was attacked by miscreants during the first phase of polling. The attack resulted in the shattering of his SUV’s windows, creating a chaotic atmosphere in the area. The incident occurred in Jaitpur village under Daudpur police station area, while Yadav was on a tour of his constituency.A notable feature of this election was the presence of Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party. Kishor has promised to make Bihar “among the top-ranking ones in the country” and has said he intends to scrap the prohibition law, arguing that it has weakened the state’s resources.
The firsts of Bihar elections
For the first time, there was live webcasting of polling in 100% of the polling stations, with chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and election commissioners S S Sandhu and Vivek Joshi monitoring the feed from the EC control room here. The CEC engaged with the presiding officers and district election officers from the control room to ensure the smooth progress of polling.Another first in this election was the visit of 16 foreign delegates from six countries to Bihar as part of the international election visitors’ programme (IEVP), to witness the poll proceedings . The delegates, EC said, hailed the Bihar elections for being one of the most well-organised, transparent, efficient and participative elections, internationally. Over 90,000 ‘jeevika didis’ or female volunteers were deployed to assist the polling personnel in identifying the ‘purdahnasheen’ (veiled) women electors.The presiding officers updated the voter turnout figures at the close of poll before leaving the polling station, cutting the delay in updation of approximate voter turnout trends. Earlier these figures would land till as late as 11.30 pm on polling day.The Bihar polls witnessed use of colour photos of candidates on EVM ballot papers. In another first, electors could deposit their mobiles at the polling stations. Modified voter information slips ensured easy readability. Given that the voters per polling station was capped at 1200, voting could proceed without any long queues and extra waiting times.
Record turnouts
Polling took place across 18 districts. Muzaffarpur recorded the highest turnout at 70.96 per cent, followed by Samastipur at 70.63 per cent. Madhepura recorded 67.21 per cent, Vaishali 67.37 per cent, Saharsa 66.84 per cent, Khagaria 66.36 per cent, Lakhisarai 65.05 per cent, Munger 60.40 per cent, Siwan 60.31 per cent, Nalanda 58.91 per cent, and Patna 57.93 per cent. Lower turnout in urban Patna was attributed to areas such as Bankipur, Digha, and Kumhrar.According to the Election Commission, the state’s lowest turnout was 42.6 per cent in the 1951-52 assembly polls, while the previous highest was 62.57 per cent in 2000. The turnout stood at 57.29 per cent in 2020, 56.91 per cent in 2015, and 52.73 per cent in 2010.
Campaigns pick up more heat
As the campaign moves into its final phase, caste and community loyalties continue to play a decisive role, with Yadavs, Kushwahas, Kurmis, Brahmins, and Dalits shaping outcomes in several constituencies.The NDA is banking on chief minister Nitish Kumar’s governance record and recent welfare measures such as 125 units of free electricity, Rs 10,000 cash transfers to more than one crore women, and an increase in social security pensions. The opposition countered that voters were ready for change. RJD president Lalu Prasad posted on X, “If a roti is not flipped on a tawa (pan), it gets burnt. Twenty years is a long time. A Tejashwi government is essential to build a new Bihar.”During campaign events for the second phase, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the high female turnout signalled support for the ruling alliance.“Mothers, daughters, and sisters have been the worst sufferers of ‘jungle raj’. Today, they seem to have put up a fortress around polling booths to prevent the return of ‘jungle raj’,” PM Modi said.The polls, conducted after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls that opposition parties criticised for alleged “rigging” and “manipulation”, are being viewed as an early indicator of political sentiment ahead of 2029.The NDA, which has held power in the state for two decades except for brief intervals, is highlighting its record of “sushasan” (good governance). The opposition INDIA bloc is relying on anti-incumbency and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav’s “jobs-for-every-home” promise to mount its challenge. The second and final phase will take place on November 11, and the counting will be held on November 14. Go to Source