Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 6: Voting for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections progressed steadily on Thursday, recording a turnout of 60.13% by 5 p.m., according to Election Commission of India (ECI) data, despite reports of isolated clashes and allegations of power cuts and bogus voting.
Polling was held across 121 seats in 18 districts. Begusarai led with the highest turnout of 67.32%, followed by Samastipur at 66.65% and Madhepura at 65.74%. Bachhwara Assembly constituency in Begusarai recorded the highest turnout of 69.67%. Voters in queues before the official closing time at 5 p.m. were allowed to cast their votes. Women voters were particularly prominent, continuing Bihar’s trend of high female turnout.
Tensions flared in Lakhisarai when the convoy of Deputy Chief Minister and BJP candidate Vijay Kumar Sinha was reportedly attacked with stones and slippers. The incident sparked heated exchanges between BJP and RJD supporters before security forces restored order. Sinha blamed RJD supporters, alleging intimidation of his agents and a “booth-capture mindset.”
Separately, RJD and other opposition parties alleged targeted disruptions at certain polling booths. Bihar Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Singh Gunjiyal dismissed these claims, including accusations of deliberate power cuts in Mahagathbandhan strongholds, calling them “completely baseless and misleading.” He reassured the public via social media that polling was proceeding smoothly, with the ECI monitoring all stations to ensure a fair and transparent process.
An earlier allegation of bogus voting in Muzaffarpur’s Sahibganj-98 booth was clarified when the voters involved were seen with inked fingers, confirming they had cast their ballots.
A total of 1,314 candidates are contesting this phase, with the main battle between the ruling NDA, led by JD(U) Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and the opposition Mahagathbandhan under RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. The newly formed Jan Suraaj Party led by Prashant Kishor may influence results in several constituencies.
Prominent candidates include Tejashwi Yadav, BJP’s Samrat Chaudhury and Vijay Kumar Sinha, JD(U) state president Umesh Kushwaha, RJD’s Bhola Yadav, Bhojpuri actor Khesari Lal Yadav (RJD), and folk singer Maithili Thakur (BJP). The election in Mokama will draw attention following JD(U) candidate Anant Singh’s custody over the recent murder of Dularchand Yadav, who was campaigning for JSP candidate Priyadarshi Piyush.