Patna: As the second phase of voting in the Bihar elections got underway, Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD) president and Mahua candidate Tej Pratap Yadav expressed confidence in his prospects, saying that the constituency “is known by our name, not by anyone else’s.”
Speaking to reporters, Tej Pratap said polling was progressing smoothly, with voters turning out in large numbers. “People are voting in their own way. Women are participating enthusiastically. This is very good for democracy. We hope that change will come,” he said.
Tej Pratap also dismissed the Rashtriya Janata Dal’s (RJD) claims of development work in Mahua, asserting that his personal connection with the constituency remained strong.
Voting is being held across 122 seats in 20 districts in this phase, with results due to be declared on November 14. By 1pm, voter turnout had crossed 47%, and polling is set to continue until 6pm in most constituencies, with seven seats scheduled to close an hour earlier.
When asked about RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav’s claim that he would take oath as chief minister on November 18, Tej Pratap replied curtly: “We will know on November 14.”
The brothers have found themselves on opposite sides of the political battlefield this time. Tejashwi campaigned against Tej Pratap in Mahua, while Tej Pratap returned the gesture by canvassing against Tejashwi in Raghopur — both urging support for their respective party candidates.
A record voter turnout was registered during the first phase of polling, and election officials expect that figure to be surpassed in the second phase.
