14.55% Voter Turnout Recorded by 9 AM in Second Phase of Bihar Polls

The second and final phase of the Bihar assembly elections began at 7:00 am on Tuesday, covering 122 constituencies across 20 districts. Approximately 3.7 crore voters are eligible to cast their votes for 243 seats. Early reports indicate a voter turnout of 14.55% till 9:00 am.

Voting in Bihar is taking place under heightened security following recent incidents, including a blast in Delhi. Around 4 lakh security personnel have been deployed across the state to ensure smooth, violence-free elections. Key border points, including the India-Nepal checkpoints at Birgunj-Raxaul, have been sealed for 72 hours as part of the security arrangements.

A minor clash occurred in Warisaliganj area of Nawada district between supporters of different political parties, highlighting the tense atmosphere near polling booths.

Also Read: As Bihar Votes Today, All Eyes on 122 Seats — Who’s Winning the Battle for Patna?

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged voters to participate actively, emphasizing that Bihar needs a model of governance focused on economic development, social justice, and equality. Kharge criticized the Nitish Kumar-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government as “opportunistic, corruption-ridden, and against the poor and deprived.” He also called on voters, especially first-time youth voters, to cast their votes to bring change for Dalits, backward classes, economically weaker sections, and minority communities.

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor urged voters to focus on Bihar’s local issues rather than be influenced by incidents like the Delhi blast. He stressed that security is being managed by the elected government and encouraged citizens to break the voter turnout record set in the first phase, emphasizing the importance of education and employment in shaping the state’s future.

Meanwhile, RJD leader Shakti Singh Yadav expressed confidence in the Mahagathbandhan’s success, claiming that the people of Bihar want to see Tejashwi Yadav as Chief Minister on November 18. He criticized the NDA for administrative mismanagement, calling for change through active voter participation.

Also Read: Bihar Assembly Elections: Voters being suppressed by BJP?

In addition to Bihar, by-elections are being held in eight assembly constituencies across six states and one union territory, including Budgam and Nagrota in Jammu and Kashmir, Anta in Rajasthan, Ghatsila in Jharkhand, Jubilee Hills in Telangana, Tarn Taran in Punjab, Dampa in Mizoram, and Nuapada in Odisha.

The outcome of Bihar’s second phase of polling will play a crucial role in determining the state’s political landscape, with four districts in Seemanchal—Araria, Kishanganj, Katihar, and Purnia—emerging as key battlegrounds due to their significant Muslim populations.