Bihar Elections 2024 Phase 1: Polling Ends with 64.46% Voter Turnout
The first phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2024 concluded on [insert date], recording a 64.46% voter turnout, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI). Polling spanned 71 constituencies across 16 districts, with a mix of enthusiasm and minor disruptions.
Key Constituencies & Voting Trends
Critical districts like Buxar, Bhojpur, Kaimur, and Patna set the stage for the electoral battle. High voter activity was seen in Brahampur, Dinara, and Mohania, while urban areas such as Patna Sahib and Bankipur reported slightly lower turnout.
Voter Participation: Highlights & Concerns
- 64.46% turnout, a slight dip from 65.12% in 2020.
- Women voters outnumbered men in several booths.
- Youth engagement remained low, raising concerns.
- ECI initiatives like mobile voting vans and PwD assistance were praised, though EVM glitches caused delays in remote areas.
Security Challenges & Violations
- Clashes reported in Kaimur and Rohtas, with central forces deployed in sensitive zones.
- Complaints of booth capturing, voter intimidation, and fake news circulated, prompting ECI warnings.
Political Reactions
- NDA (BJP-JD(U)): Called the turnout a mandate for “Viksit Bihar” (Developed Bihar).
- Mahagathbandhan (RJD-Congress-Left): Alleged voter list discrepancies and administrative bias.
- Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, accused the BJP of polarization and misuse of power.
What’s Next in Bihar Elections?
With Phase 2 and 3 approaching, key issues like jobs, caste dynamics, and infrastructure will dominate. The NDA is relying on Modi’s welfare schemes, while the opposition pushes social justice and farm reforms.
Final Analysis
The marginal dip in turnout and sporadic violence highlight challenges in voter mobilization. The battle now shifts to the next phases—will the Mahagathbandhan challenge NDA’s dominance, or will the ruling coalition retain power?
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