Bihar polls: 57.9% turnout in Patna district as young & old come out to vote

PATNA: Voting in the first phase of the Bihar assembly elections concluded with a 57.9% turnout in Patna district that was driven by enthusiastic participation from both young voters and senior citizens across the urban constituencies. The district average of 57.93% is a clear rise from 51.12% in 2020 as polling stations in Bankipur, Digha, Kumhrar and Patna Sahib hummed with energy through the day.

In Digha, the polling percentage reached 41.4%, up from 36.86% in 2020. Bankipur recorded 40.97% compared to 35.85% five years ago. Kumhrar saw a 39.57% voter turnout, an increase from 35.22% in 2020, while the highest jump was in Patna Sahib, where 59.93% of voters cast their ballots, up from 52.22% in the last election. Despite the usual logistical hiccups, the mood reflected a shared desire for jobs, development and accountability.

Sarita Kumari (20), a first-time voter, flaunted her inked finger at a polling booth in Shastri Nagar and took selfies with her friend. Better education, a better system and employment opportunities, she said, were the issues she kept in mind while voting.

A resident of Ashiana, college student K P Mishra (19) said he was thrilled. "Bihar has transformed significantly from the past. I remember the situation when I was in school. And now I am doing graduation and truly enjoy living here," he said.

"We have waited too long for real change - jobs for youth, better roads and reliable power. The one job per family promise is luring. We want a better future for our kids," 55-year-old Sharad Kumar said at a polling station in Gulzarbagh. Meanwhile, tensions flickered over two women allegedly denied their vote at a Veterinary College booth, sparking brief protests. Responding, Patna district magistrate Thiyagrajan S M told TOI: "There was some glitch. We talked to the presiding officer and the matter was sorted out. No issue was reported from any polling booth. Voting went off peacefully," he said.