Bihar Elections: 13% voter turnout till 9 AM amid high stakes and star campaigns

Patna: The first phase of Bihar Assembly elections saw an initial voter turnout of 13.13 percent by 9:00 AM, according to the Election Commission. Saharsa district led the state with 15.27 percent participation, while Lakhisarai recorded only 7 percent. Other notable turnout figures included 14.60 percent in Begusarai, 13.28 percent in Buxar, 12.48 percent in Darbhanga, 13.97 percent in Gopalganj, and 14.38 percent in Muzaffarpur. Patna recorded a lower turnout of 11.22 percent, reflecting early morning voting trends in urban centers. Phase 1 Covers 121 Constituencies Polling began at 7:00 AM across 18 districts, covering key constituencies in Patna, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, and Gopalganj. Over 3.75 crore voters are deciding the fate of 1,314 candidates, including Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav and Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha. The first phase is expected to set the electoral tone for the two-phase process, with results closely watched across rural and urban areas. Star Campaigners Cast Votes Early Several political leaders encouraged citizens to vote in large numbers. Rashtriya Lok Samata Party President Upendra Kushwaha arrived in Vaishali at 3:00 AM to cast his vote, highlighting the importance of putting voting first. Bhojpuri actor and BJP leader Pawan Singh also voted, urging Bihar’s population to step out and vote for development. ‘Badlaav Hoga’: Lalu Yadav and family cast votes as Bihar begins poll battle Vikassheel Insaan Party chief and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Sahani cast his vote in Darbhanga alongside his family, appealing to strengthen democracy. RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav, along with Lalu Prasad Yadav, Misa Bharti, and Rabri Devi, also exercised their franchise while calling on the youth to vote massively to bring political change in Bihar. Amit Shah Appeals to Prevent Jungle Raj Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged Bihar voters during the first phase to cast ballots in record numbers to prevent the return of jungle raj. He highlighted that every vote will contribute to sustaining governance and ensuring security against infiltration and Naxal-related threats. Bihar Polls: Tejashwi Yadav casts vote, announces ‘new govt on November 14’; Full story here Bitter Contest Between NDA and Opposition The elections are a high-stakes battle between the NDA, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and BJP, and the Mahagathbandhan opposition led by Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD. Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj is contesting all 243 constituencies in its debut, challenging established players. Notable contests include Tej Pratap Yadav of the Janshakti Janata Dal in Mahua against RJD and LJP rivals in a triangular fight. Looking Ahead to Phase 2 and Counting The second phase of polling is scheduled for November 11, with vote counting on November 14. Early turnout figures, combined with star campaigner influence, indicate a politically charged atmosphere in Bihar, with implications for both the NDA and opposition bloc.