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As Bihar enters the decisive phase of polling, over 47 percent of voters have cast their ballots so far, with Kishanganj, Gaya, and Jamui witnessing the highest enthusiasm while Madhubani and Sitamarhi continue to trail in turnout.
Kishanganj, Gaya, Jamui record highest polling so far.
Patna: Bihar recorded a voter turnout of 47.62 percent in the second and final phase of the Assembly elections as of 1:00 pm, according to figures released by the Election Commission. Voting is being held across 122 constituencies in 20 districts, where 3.7 crore eligible voters are deciding the fate of 1,302 candidates, including several prominent ministers and political heavyweights.
Officials reported that polling began peacefully at 7:00 am and will continue till 5:00 pm, with no major disruptions reported so far.
Among the top-performing districts, Kishanganj led the turnout chart with 51.86 percent, closely followed by Gaya (50.95 percent), Jamui (50.91 percent), and Banka (50.07 percent).
Other districts showing strong participation included Aurangabad (49.45 percent), Kaimur (49.89 percent), and Purnia (49.63 percent).
In contrast, some districts continued to lag behind. Madhubani recorded a turnout of 43.39 percent, the lowest in the state so far, while Nawada (43.45 percent) and Sitamarhi (45.28 percent) also saw relatively lower participation.
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Prominent political leaders and candidates exercised their franchise during the second phase, sending messages of civic duty and confidence.
Among them were JD(U)’s acting president Sanjay Jha, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, Purnea MP Pappu Yadav, and Bihar Congress chief Rajesh Ram.
Senior BJP leaders including Industries Minister Nitish Mishra, Jamui MLA and shooting champion Shreyasi Singh, and Shahnawaz Hussain were also seen casting their votes.
Independent candidate Jyoti Singh, wife of Bhojpuri singer Pawan Singh, turned up early in the morning to vote in Karakat, urging citizens to participate “in large numbers for Bihar’s future.”
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Addressing reporters after casting his vote, RJD leader and INDIA bloc’s chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav said the people of Bihar have made up their minds to bring “result, respect, and rise” back to the state.
He remarked, “The record voting in the first phase was a clear message that people are tired of hollow promises. Bihar wants performance, not rhetoric.”
Tejashwi added that a new Bihar would emerge after November 14, the day results are scheduled to be declared.
Meanwhile, polling for the Budgam and Nagrota Assembly by-elections in Jammu and Kashmir is proceeding peacefully. Voters braved the morning chill, many wearing traditional pherans, to cast their votes.
There are 17 candidates contesting in Budgam, including Aga Syed Mehmood (National Conference) and Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi (PDP).
