Bihar Elections 2024: Record 67.14% Voter Turnout in Final Phase; Exit Polls Favor NDA
In a historic electoral milestone, Bihar recorded its highest-ever voter turnout at 67.14% during the fifth and final phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Major exit polls project a decisive victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), reinforcing its dominance in Bihar’s political arena.
Historic Voter Participation
The final phase, covering 8 critical constituencies like Pashchim Champaran, Valmiki Nagar, and Hajipur, saw unprecedented voter enthusiasm. The 67.14% turnout surpassed the previous record of 61.94% in 2019, highlighting increased civic engagement.
Key Drivers of High Turnout
- Voter awareness campaigns by the Election Commission and political parties.
- High-stakes contests in constituencies like Hajipur (Chirag Paswan vs Pashupati Paras) and Valmiki Nagar (BJP vs RJD).
- Surge in youth and women voters, indicating shifting electoral trends.
Exit Polls Predict NDA Sweep
Major exit polls—News18-IPSOS, Times Now-ETG, and Republic-Jan Ki Baat—predict the NDA could secure 30-35 of Bihar’s 40 seats. The BJP, JD(U), and LJP (Ram Vilas Paswan faction) benefited from:
– Central welfare schemes (PM Awas Yojana, Ujjwala, Ayushman Bharat).
– Strategic caste consolidation (upper castes, EBCs, Dalits).
– Nitish Kumar’s return to NDA in January 2024, denting RJD’s OBC base.
Opposition’s Uphill Battle
The Mahagathbandhan (RJD-Congress-Left) is projected to win only 5-10 seats, hampered by:
– Weak coordination and Congress’s poor ground presence.
– RJD’s governance legacy and inability to counter NDA’s narrative.
Constituency-Wise Highlights
- Hajipur: Chirag Paswan (NDA) leads against uncle Pashupati Paras (RJD).
- Valmiki Nagar: BJP’s Baidyanath Mahto retains seat with tribal/OBC support.
- Pashchim Champaran: JD(U)’s Sanjay Jaiswal benefits from Nitish Kumar’s Kurmi base.
What’s Next?
Counting begins on June 4, with the NDA eyeing a repeat of its 2019 39-seat sweep. A strong performance could bolster Modi’s bid for a third term, while the opposition regroups for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
Final Takeaway:
Bihar’s record turnout reflects democratic vigor, while exit polls signal a likely NDA mandate. The results will shape both state and national politics.
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