Lower voter’ turnout is a matter of concern for political parties and the election commission in Bihar.

Patna, April 28, 2024: Concerned over sluggish voter’ turnout in the first two phases of the Lok Sabha elections in Bihar, political parties have stepped up campaigning for the third phase of polling, scheduled for May 7 in Jhanjharpur, Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, and Khagaria constituencies.

Nitish Kumar urged voters to come out for the polling:

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar appealed to come out in large numbers and will remain in Madhepura for three days to hold rallies and roadshows, along with two rallies in the other constituencies. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and VIP chief Mukesh Sahani are also holding 4-5 rallies daily in these areas.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to address two rallies in Jhanjharpur and Begusarai on April 29 (Begusarai goes to polls in the fourth phase).

Chief Electoral Officer H.R. Srinivasa directed district magistrates (DMs) and superintendents of police (SPs) to address local grievances and improve polling station facilities to boost turnout, noting incidents of poll boycott in some areas.

Authorities have been asked to ensure drinking water, shade, and cooling arrangements for voters amid hot weather conditions.

Voters’ turnout in the first phase was lower:

The first two phases saw a drop in polling percentage compared to 2019:

Phase 1—48.23% turnout (down from 53.47% in 2019), Phase 2—58.58% turnout (down from 62.92% in 2019)

Key contests in the third phase:

In Jhanjharpur Lok Sabha seat: The main contest between JD-U Rampreet Mandal and VIP Suman Kumar Mahaseth,

Similarly, on the Supaul seat, JDU’s Dilleshwar Kamat will contest against RJD’s Chandrahas Chaupal

In Madhepura, JDU’s Dinesh Chandra Yadav will fight against RJD’s Kumar Chandradeep,

On the Araria Lok Sabha seat, BJP’s Pradeep Singh will contest against RJD’s Shahnawaz Alam,

In Khagaria, LJPRV’s Rajesh Verma will contest against CPI’s Sanjay Kumar.

With turnout lagging behind previous elections, the third phase is being closely watched as parties deploy their star campaigners to energize voters and prevent further decline in participation.

Also Read: Tejashwi Yadav will have to prove his acceptance among voters of Bihar.

EOM.