First Phase of Lok Sabha Elections Witness 48.37% Turnout in Bihar

Patna: The voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in Bihar on Friday marked a turnout of 48.37% across the four contested seats. With voting stations numbering 6,097, the electorate cast their ballots, showcasing varying levels of participation across regions. Gaya recorded the highest turnout at 52%, while Nawada witnessed the lowest at 41.50%. Meanwhile, Aurangabad and Jamui reported a 50% voter turnout.

Comparatively, the 2019 Lok Sabha elections saw higher participation rates with 53.63% in Aurangabad, 56.16% in Gaya, 49.33% in Nawada, and 55.21% in Jamui.

Chief Electoral Officer HR Srinavas highlighted a slight decline in voter turnout, attributing it to a 5% decrease compared to the previous elections. Reports indicated 21 instances of ballot unit damage during polling and boycotts at seven polling stations, where fewer than ten votes were cast.

One notable boycott occurred in Dhanchhuha village of Koch, a Naxal-affected block within the Aurangabad Lok Sabha constituency. Villagers erected a poster stating, “No road, no vote,” barring entry to all political leaders. Despite polling officers awaiting voters, the boycott persisted.

In the electoral fray, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) fielded BJP candidates for Aurangabad and Nawada, while the Hindustani Awam Morcha’s (HAM) nominee, former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi, contested from Gaya. Arun Bharti, brother-in-law of Chirag Paswan, vied for the Jamui seat. Additionally, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) presented candidates across all four seats.

Reflecting on the voting phase, RJD spokesperson Chittaranjan Gagan expressed confidence in their prospects, asserting certainty in victory across the contested constituencies. Gagan cited comprehensive booth-level feedback and widespread support as indicators of public rejection of opposition candidates. Anticipating an expanding victory margin in subsequent phases, Gagan predicted a historic win for the Mahagathbandhan alliance, securing 40 seats in Bihar.