Patna: Voting is underway in the second phase of the Bihar assembly elections, with citizens casting their ballots for 122 seats across 20 districts. Polling began early this morning, drawing long queues at booths across the state.
In Gaya district, a striking photograph captured a man arriving at his polling station on a buffalo. A similar scene unfolded in Katihar, where Anand Kumar Singh, a resident of Dalan in the Katihar assembly constituency, made headlines by riding his buffalo to vote at the upgraded middle school in Sirsa, about two kilometres from his village. Singh told reporters: “Buffalo is my heritage and democracy is my pride. Voting is our utmost duty.” He explained that while most voters rely on bikes or other vehicles, he chose his traditional companion for the day.
Meanwhile, Dr. Prem Kumar, a minister in the Bihar government and BJP candidate from the Gayaji assembly constituency, arrived to cast his vote on a bicycle, accompanied by his wife. His arrival drew a small crowd at the polling station.
Tensions, however, marred the day in some areas. At booth number 198 of Forbesganj College, in the Forbesganj Assembly constituency of Araria, a confrontation broke out between BJP and Congress supporters. Police intervened, reportedly using batons to restore order. Congress supporters alleged that BJP representatives had instigated violence, while authorities said the situation was under control after about half an hour. The Sub-Divisional Officer and Returning Officer confirmed there had been no formal lathi charge and emphasised that law and order was being maintained.
