Voting starts for Bihar assembly elections’ first phase
Voting is underway in 121 Bihar constituencies, with 1,314 candidates, including 122 women, contesting the election.
Polling Begins for First Phase of Bihar Assembly Elections Amid Tight Security
Patna: Polling for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections began at 7 a.m. on Thursday across 18 districts of the state, marking the start of a high-stakes electoral process that will determine the political direction of India’s third-largest state. Voters turned out across 121 Assembly constituencies to exercise their franchise, with a total of 1,314 candidates in the fray. Of these, 1,192 are male candidates, while 122 are female, reflecting gradual but steady growth in women’s participation in the state’s political process.
According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), a total of 3,75,13,302 electors are eligible to vote in this phase. This includes 1,98,35,325 male voters, 1,76,77,219 female voters, and 758 third-gender electors, highlighting India’s commitment to inclusive democracy. With such a massive electorate, the first phase is critical in setting the tone for subsequent rounds of voting across the state.
A total of 45,341 polling stations have been set up, including 36,733 in rural areas and 8,608 in urban localities. Among these, the Election Commission has designated 320 model polling stations, 926 women-managed stations, and 107 stations managed for Persons with Disabilities (PwD), ensuring accessibility and efficiency in the electoral process. Webcasting facilities are available in all polling stations, allowing real-time monitoring to maintain transparency and prevent any untoward incidents.
Polling will continue until 6 p.m. at general booths. However, in six Assembly constituencies located in Naxal-affected areas, voting will conclude an hour earlier at 5 p.m., a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of voters and staff. Before the official polling began, a mock poll was conducted between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. in the presence of booth-level agents, ensuring that all Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were functioning properly and that polling procedures would be smooth and orderly.
Voting is currently underway across the districts of Khagaria, Munger, Lakhisarai, Sheikhpura, Nalanda, Patna, Bhojpur, Madhepura, Saharsa, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Samastipur, Begusarai, and Buxar. These regions represent a diverse cross-section of Bihar, encompassing urban centers, rural heartlands, and areas affected by socio-political challenges, making the first phase highly significant in shaping the overall results.
Unprecedented security arrangements have been made for the polling process. Over 15 battalions of central and state forces have been deployed across the state to ensure safe and peaceful elections. Officials emphasized that all polling staff have been provided with vehicles, essential equipment, and EVMs to guarantee smooth functioning. Security personnel are strategically positioned at polling stations, roads, and key public areas to prevent any disruption during the election.
In Samastipur district, polling began simultaneously at 7 a.m. across all 10 Assembly constituencies. The district has set up 3,603 polling stations to accommodate 29,32,602 voters, with special arrangements in place to ensure accessibility for all sections of society. The District Election Department has worked meticulously to maintain a free, fair, and peaceful polling environment, including facilitating transportation for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable voters.
The first phase of voting is seen as a litmus test for various political parties, as it covers constituencies with a mix of rural and urban populations. Analysts suggest that the results of this phase could influence strategies and alliances for subsequent phases of the Bihar Assembly elections. Political observers note that voter turnout, particularly among women and first-time voters, will be closely monitored, as it could significantly impact the overall outcomes.
Authorities have also emphasized the importance of adhering to COVID-19 protocols, ensuring voters wear masks and maintain social distancing at polling booths. Hand sanitizers are provided, and regular disinfection of booths is being carried out to prevent any health risks during the voting process.
The first phase of Bihar’s Assembly elections is a massive logistical exercise, reflecting the scale and complexity of India’s electoral democracy. With millions of voters, thousands of candidates, and an intricate network of polling stations and security personnel, the process underscores the country’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible citizen can exercise their democratic right.
As the day progresses, voters are expected to continue arriving at polling stations, eager to cast their ballots. Election officials, political parties, and security forces remain on high alert to ensure that the process remains smooth, transparent, and free from any disturbances. The first phase is not only a crucial moment for Bihar but also a reflection of the vibrancy and resilience of India’s democratic system.