Voting Underway in Patna: Allegations, Boycotts, and Enthusiastic Turnout

Patna: In the seventh phase of the Lok Sabha elections, voting is currently underway in Patna district’s two key constituencies, Patna Sahib and Pataliputra. Amid the voting process, RJD national president Lalu Prasad Yadav arrived at the polling booth wearing an RJD gamchha, leading the BJP to file a complaint with the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging a violation of the code of conduct.

As of 1 pm, voter turnout in Patna Sahib stood at 29.22%, while Pataliputra reported a turnout of 40.78%. Notably, at booth number 267 in Sarparasa village, Masaurhi, voting has been boycotted entirely due to local grievances over infrastructure.

EVM Malfunction and Celebrity Votes

An EVM malfunction at booth number 113 in Saguna Mor, Pataliputra, caused significant delays, forcing voters to wait in the scorching sun. Meanwhile, Bhojpuri singer Sharda Sinha cast her vote at booth number 60 in Patna Sahib, urging others to participate in the democratic process.

Prominent Figures Cast Votes

TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha and his son Luv Sinha voted at ST Servants School in Patna Sahib. Luv Sinha emphasized that if Tejashwi Yadav gains power, he will address unemployment issues. Tejashwi Yadav, after voting, encouraged citizens to vote against those undermining the Constitution and democracy. He is scheduled to attend an INDI Alliance meeting in Delhi later today. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will cast his vote in Bakhtiyarpur before meeting his family.

Voter Boycotts in Multiple Booths

In addition to Sarparasa, booth number 188 in Ghurna Bigha, Paliganj, also experienced a complete boycott, with villagers protesting the lack of roads by chanting, “No road, no vote.” Authorities, including City SP East Bharat Soni, are attempting to resolve the situation.

Lalu Family and Election Commission’s Initiatives

Lalu Prasad Yadav, along with his wife Rabri Devi and daughter Rohini Acharya, voted at Veterinary College’s booth number 171. Rohini dedicated her vote to her sisters, while Tej Pratap Yadav hinted at a significant announcement post-June 4.

The Election Commission introduced a green initiative at booth number 236 in Jehanabad, where voters received trees as gifts to promote environmental consciousness.

Tight Contests and High Stakes

In Patna Sahib, the main contest is between BJP’s Ravi Shankar Prasad and Congress’s Anshul Avijit Kushwaha. Patliputra sees a fierce competition between BJP’s Ramkripal Yadav and RJD’s Misa Bharti. Both constituencies have a total of 39 candidates vying for 43.76 lakh voters across 4290 booths.

Security Measures

Enhanced security is in place, with paramilitary forces deployed at 971 sensitive booths. Additionally, border areas of neighboring districts have been sealed to prevent any disturbances.

The election process in Patna continues with a mix of high turnout, localized boycotts, and significant participation from political and public figures, reflecting the vibrant and challenging nature of Indian democracy.