Bihar Sees Record-Breaking Voter Turnout of 67.14% in Second Phase of Assembly Elections

Image Source: Internet

Patna, Bihar - In a significant development, Bihar witnessed its highest-ever voter turnout of 67.14% in the second and final phase of the state assembly elections. This figure surpassed the previous record of 65.09% set in the first phase on November 6. The polls, which concluded on Tuesday, saw a massive turnout of 3.70 crore voters across 122 constituencies. The districts of Kishanganj, Katihar, and Purnea recorded the highest polling percentages, with Kishanganj topping the list at 76.26%. These districts, along with others in the north-eastern region, are known for their high concentration of minority communities. Voting turnout was also significant in south Bihar districts, including Jamui, Gaya, and Kaimur. The second phase of the polls was crucial for the ruling NDA, as well as the opposition INDIA bloc, which is banking on the incumbency factor and the support of the minority community. Although Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is not contesting the polls, his party is facing a tough challenge from the opposition. The Congress, a key constituent of the INDIA bloc, is also pinning its hopes on the current phase, which includes 12 of its seats from the 2020 assembly polls. The party's state president, Rajesh Kumar Ram, and sitting MLA Shakeel Ahmed Khan, are among the key candidates in this phase. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar urged citizens to exercise their franchise in the final phase of polling and set a new voting record. With the electoral fate of 1,302 candidates sealed in this phase, the results are expected to be closely watched by political observers and analysts.