Lakhisarai: Voting for the first phase of the Bihar assembly elections was marred by scattered violence and administrative complaints on Thursday, even as turnout touched 42.31% by 1pm across 18 districts. Polling for 121 seats will continue until 6pm, marking the first of two phases before results are announced on 14 November.
According to the election commission, 104 seats are witnessing straight contests, while 17 have triangular fights. International observers from seven countries – including Indonesia, Colombia, France, Belgium, South Africa, Thailand and the Philippines – are in the state to monitor the process.
Deputy CM’s convoy attacked in Lakhisarai
In one of the day’s most dramatic incidents, the convoy of Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha was allegedly stoned in Lakhisarai. Election officials said cow dung and slippers were also hurled at his vehicle.
A visibly angry Sinha labelled the attackers as “RJD goons”, adding: “They are upset that the NDA is winning. Bulldozers will run on their chests.”
RJD candidate threatens officer in Maner
In Maner, RJD candidate Bhai Virendra reacted angrily when asked to show his identification. In a confrontation recorded by officials, he reportedly told a police inspector: “I will set you on fire right here.” The MLA questioned the administration’s authority to check ID cards during polling.
CPI candidate’s car attacked in Saran
Further north in Saran’s Manjhi constituency, the car of CPI candidate Satyendra Kumar was attacked by unidentified persons. No injuries were reported.
Woman with oxygen support finds name missing from voter roll
In Patna, a woman who arrived at a polling booth with an oxygen tube in her nose discovered that her name was not on the voter list. She later approached the Women’s Commission, alleging negligence.
Turnout climbs steadily across districts
Bihar registered the following turnout pattern in phase one:
-
9am: 13.13%
-
11am: 27.65%
-
1pm: 42.31%
Turnout varied across districts. By 1pm, the highest numbers were recorded in Gopalganj (46.73%) and Khagaria (42.94%), while Patna lagged at 37.72%.
District-wise turnout (%):
| District | 9am | 11am | 1pm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khagaria | 14.15 | 28.96 | 42.94 |
| Gopalganj | 13.97 | 30.04 | 46.73 |
| Patna | 12.48 | 23.71 | 37.72 |
| Vaishali | 14.30 | 28.67 | 42.60 |
Concerns over missing names and restricted polling
In Chhapra, around 150 residents of Brahmapur locality alleged that their names were missing from the voter list, calling it a “conspiracy”.
Polling has been restricted to 5pm at several sensitive booths in Simri Bakhtiyarpur, Mahisi, Tarapur (Munger district) and Jamalpur due to security concerns.
At booth number 254 in Hajipur village (Fatuha constituency), a presiding officer fell ill and was admitted to hospital.
Detentions in Bihar Sharif
Police in Bihar Sharif detained four BJP workers in Ward 16 for allegedly distributing leaflets near booths 226–232, an activity not permitted on polling day.
