Patna: Voting is underway in five constituencies of Bihar as part of the third phase of elections, with polling stations open in Kosi, Madhepura, Supaul, Araria, Khagaria, and Jhanjharpur. By 9 am, Bihar witnessed a voter turnout of 10.06%, with Supaul recording the highest participation at 11.41%, while Jhanjharpur saw the lowest turnout at 8%.
Tragically, amidst the electoral process, incidents of mortality have cast a shadow over the proceedings. In Supaul, at booth number 154, the presiding officer, Shailendra Kumar, tragically passed away during voting hours. Doctors are currently suspecting a heart attack as the cause of death. Simultaneously, a Home Guard jawan stationed at the Pechaili polling station in the Jokihat assembly constituency of Araria also succumbed.
Prominent political figures seized the opportunity to cast their votes early in the day. Shahnawaz Hussain of the BJP, casting his ballot in Supaul, remarked to Bhaskar that voters are expressing support for Prime Minister Modi rather than individual candidates. He attributed the low turnout to the perception that the opposition alliance stands little chance of victory. When questioned about Tejashwi Yadav’s recent illness, Hussain commented on the importance of health, suggesting Yadav should follow the Prime Minister’s example, who, despite his age, maintains a robust fitness regime. Meanwhile, Chirag Paswan, President of LJP(RA), exercised his franchise in Khagaria.
Today, a total of 54 candidates, comprising 51 males and 3 females, are vying for the five seats. The Supaul constituency boasts the highest number of contenders with 15, while Madhepura has the least with 8 candidates. Jhanjharpur, Araria, and Khagaria have 10, 9, and 12 candidates respectively.
A significant electorate of 98,60,377 voters is expected to cast their ballots across 9,848 booths. However, due to the prevailing heat, voting in 167 booths, including 107 in the Mahishi assembly of Madhepura and 60 in the Simri Bakhtiyarpur assembly of Khagaria, will conclude at 4 pm, two hours earlier than the scheduled 6 pm closing time.
