Voters in Bihar are showing remarkable enthusiasm in the second and final phase of the assembly elections, with 31.38% turnout recorded in the first four hours. Officials said that if this pace continues, the state could see a record voter turnout. By 9 am, 14.55% of voters had already cast their votes across the 122 constituencies going to the polls today.
Around 3.70 crore voters are deciding the fate of 1,302 candidates in this phase. However, some issues have surfaced, including a complaint about a malfunctioning EVM at a booth in the Nawada assembly constituency.
Authorities have deployed over four lakh security personnel to ensure free and peaceful voting. A total of 45,399 polling stations have been set up across the state, with 40,073 located in rural areas. According to police sources, about 8,491 polling stations have been marked as sensitive.
Many ministers from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s cabinet are also voting in this phase. The constituencies going to the polls include districts bordering Nepal, such as West Champaran, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, and Kishanganj.
Officials said that the large voter turnout reflects the excitement among the electorate. A senior election official remarked, “People are coming out in large numbers, showing their enthusiasm to participate in the democratic process.” Another official added, “Security arrangements have been strengthened to ensure that voting is smooth and peaceful in all areas.”
