Patna: The second phase of Lok Sabha elections in Bihar is underway, encompassing five constituencies: Kishanganj, Katihar, Purnia, Bhagalpur, and Banka. With a total of 50 candidates vying for seats, the electoral landscape is dominated by 47 male contenders, leaving only three female candidates in the fray. This phase witnesses a triangular contest on three seats and a direct face-off on two.
Voter enthusiasm is palpable across the region, with long queues forming at polling stations. Elderly couples, accompanied by their families, and individuals with disabilities, aided by crutches, are among those exercising their democratic right. Despite the looming threat of a heat wave, as warned by the Meteorological Department for Banka, Bhagalpur, and Purnia, voters remain undeterred, queuing up in large numbers.
A staggering 9,396,298 voters are eligible to cast their ballots in these five Lok Sabha constituencies. Of this electorate, 48,814,37 are male voters, 45,144,55 are female voters, and 306 belong to the third gender. Notably, there are 2,379 voters aged over 100 years, while 1,377,73 individuals are casting their votes for the first time. To accommodate this massive turnout, authorities have established a total of 9,322 polling booths.
Despite the absence of Naxal affected areas in any of the five constituencies, polling is set to continue until 6 pm across all locations. However, due to the oppressive heat conditions, the timing of some booths in Banka has been curtailed to conclude at 4 pm as a precautionary measure.
