Buxar: The first phase of the Bihar assembly elections opened on Thursday with brisk voting across 18 districts, though pockets of disruption were reported in Buxar where eight people were arrested for attempting to interfere with polling.
By 11am, the state had recorded a turnout of 27.65%, with Begusarai reporting the highest early voter participation and Patna the lowest. Voting is underway for 121 assembly seats, with several prominent political figures on the ballot in this phase. The electoral fate of Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav, Anant Singh, folk singer-turned-politician Maithili Thakur, deputy chief ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha, and 16 ministers of the Nitish Kumar government will be sealed in EVMs today.
Long queues were seen outside several polling stations, particularly in rural belts and riverine regions. In Darbhanga’s Kusheshwar Asthan constituency, voters travelled by boat to reach polling centres, underscoring both logistical challenges and strong public engagement.
In Buxar, authorities confirmed the arrest of eight individuals from Ahirauli, Nadav, Mishrawalia and Mahdah for alleged attempts to create disturbances during voting. Officials said the situation was promptly brought under control and polling resumed without further incident.
Political leaders across party lines marked their presence early in the day. RLM chief Upendra Kushwaha claimed that reports from across the state pointed towards a “decisive” victory for the NDA, adding that opposition leaders were attempting to keep their cadre motivated after a difficult first phase.
BJP candidate Jivesh Kumar and several ministers including Mangal Pandey also cast their ballots, expressing confidence in a peaceful and development-driven mandate. JDU leader Ashok Choudhary voted alongside family members at a booth in Patna’s Buddha Colony.
District-wise turnout data showed varied patterns. In Madhepura, overall polling touched 28.46%, while Saharsa recorded 29.68%. Khagaria reported 28.96% turnout by 9am, and Lakhisarai around 30.32% by 11am.
Polling for the second phase will take place next week, with both alliances intensifying their campaigns ahead of a crucial final stretch.
