The election commission registered 23.67% polling till 11 am in Bihar.
Photo Credit: The Suncity News
Patna, May 25, 2024: Defying the scorching summer heat, voters in eight Lok Sabha constituencies of Bihar turned out in large numbers on Saturday to exercise their franchise. According to the Election Commission of India, 23.67% polling was recorded till 11 am in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections.
Polling began at 7 am in the constituencies of Valmiki Nagar, Paschim Champaran, Purvi Champaran, Sheohar, Vaishali, Gopalganj (SC-reserved), Siwan, and Maharajganj, where voting is currently underway.
The Election Commission registered higher polling compared to 2019 in seven constituencies:
Election officials said that seven out of the eight constituencies have recorded a higher voter turnout compared to the same time in the 2019 Lok Sabha election.
Among them, Vaishali witnessed the highest polling percentage, with 27.98% of voters casting their ballots by 11 am, compared to 25.50% in 2019.
In Sheohar, voter turnout rose to 25.77% from 21.20% in the previous general election.
Paschim Champaran registered 23.84% polling (21.80% in 2019), while Maharajganj recorded 23.57% turnout compared to 18.30 in 2019.
Similarly, Purvi Champaran saw 23.10% polling (up from 22.50%), Gopalganj registered 22.61% (20.60% in 2019), and Siwan recorded 22.42% turnout (21% in 2019).
The only exception was Valmiki Nagar, where polling stood at 20.11%, slightly lower than 21.50% recorded at the same time in 2019.
Prominent candidates cast their votes:
Several key candidates exercised their voting rights early in the morning.
In Bettiah, BJP candidate and sitting MP Sanjay Jaiswal cast his vote, expressing confidence in the NDA’s prospects, “The people of the country believe that the NDA will cross 400 seats in this Lok Sabha election, ‘Abki Baar 400 Paar’ is not just a slogan—people have faith that the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi will return to power. Schemes like free LPG connections, five kilograms of good grains, toilets, and electrification have positively impacted voters,” Jaiswal said.
In Siwan, independent candidate Hina Sahab, wife of the late strongman Mohammad Shahabuddin, also voted and interacted with the media. I appeal to voters to support candidates who live among you and are available for you 24×7. The people of Siwan have seen representatives from different parties. This time, I urge them to vote for an independent,” she said, adding that she has no plans to join the RJD in the future.
In Purvi Champaran, BJP leader and Union Minister Radha Mohan Singh exercised his franchise in Motihari. He is contesting against Vijay Kushwaha of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP). “Despite the hot weather, people are turning out in large numbers, responding to PM Modi’s appeal to strengthen democracy. I salute their enthusiasm,” Singh said.
Polling continues across 8 constituencies:
Voting will continue till 6 am, and the Election Commission expects the overall turnout to rise further as voters continue to queue up at booths across northern Bihar.
EOM.
