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As voting starts for the second and final phase of the Bihar Assembly elections across 122 constituencies, over 3.7 crore voters are set to decide the fate of 1,302 candidates while political leaders and ministers contest, raising the stakes.
3.7 crore voters will decide the fate of 1,302 candidates.
Patna: The second and final phase of the Bihar Assembly elections is underway across 122 constituencies in 20 districts, with polling scheduled from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. By 9:00 am, voter turnout stood at 14.55 percent, indicating a steady start to the day.
This phase is critical for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s cabinet, as 12 ministers from his government are contesting. JD(U) candidates include Vijendra Yadav from Supaul, Lesi Singh from Dhamdaha, Jayant Kushwaha from Amarpur, Sumit Singh from Chakai, Mohammad Jama Khan from Chainpur, and Sheela Mandal from Phoolparas. BJP ministers in the fray include Prem Kumar from Gaya, Renu Devi from Bettiah, Vijay Kumar Mandal from Sikati, Nitish Mishra from Jhanjharpur, Neeraj Bablu from Chhatapur, and Krishnanandan Paswan from Harsiddhi.
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Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi appealed to voters to surpass the turnout of the first phase and support the National Democratic Alliance. He highlighted the advantages of a double-engine government led by Narendra Modi and emphasized Bihar’s development under the Purvodaya initiative.
Meanwhile, Jyoti Singh, wife of Bhojpuri singer and actor Pawan Singh, contesting as an independent from Karakat constituency, expressed confidence that voters have already decided in her favor despite her limited campaigning.
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Today also sees by-elections in eight assembly constituencies across six states and one union territory. The seats include Budgam and Nagrota in Jammu and Kashmir, Anta in Rajasthan, Ghatshila in Jharkhand, Jubilee Hills in Telangana, Tarn Taran in Punjab, Dampa in Mizoram, and Nuapada in Odisha. Counting of votes for all elections, including Bihar, is scheduled for November 14.
Alongside Bihar, voting is underway in Budgam and Nagrota Assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir. Early reports indicate peaceful polling with enthusiastic voter participation. Many voters were seen wearing traditional tweed overgarments called Pherans, embracing local culture while exercising their democratic rights.
Budgam has 17 candidates, with Aga Syed Mehmood from the National Conference and Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi from the Peoples Democratic Party emerging as main contenders.
