New Delhi – In a landmark moment for Indian democracy, Bihar saw the highest voter turnout in its Assembly elections since 1951. On Thursday, 64.66 % of registered voters went to the polls in the state’s first phase, signaling a surge in public engagement and confidence in the electoral system.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar praised the result, saying it showed that “Bihar has set a national example.” He highlighted the successful Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process that cleansed the electoral rolls, and called the turnout the “purest” yet. The CEC’s comments also came amid criticism from opposition figures, including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who has accused the Election Commission of undermining democracy. Kumar’s remark that “democracy wins” was seen by some as a subtle rebuke to those accusations.
The SIR effort is underway in 12 states and union territories, and Bihar’s achievement may influence how the process is rolled out elsewhere. The commission’s message was also a nod to critics who question whether roll‑cleaning might disenfranchise certain voters.
In the record turnout race, Muzaffarpur topped the list with 70.96 %, followed by Samastipur at 70.63 % and Begusarai at 68.26 %. The Bachhwara seat in Begusarai boasted a 69.67 % turnout by 5 p.m., while Patna district recorded a lower 48.69 % participation.
A total of 1,314 candidates contested the first phase, including 122 women. Election officials also carried out extensive measures to improve voter access: every polling station was webcast live, 926 booths were run by women, and 107 booths were staffed by people with disabilities. Additional security was provided by more than 15 battalions of police and paramilitary forces, especially in areas prone to violence.
With high levels of participation and a transparent counting process, the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections has reinforced India’s democratic tradition. As Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar put it, the outcome shows that democracy indeed wins.
Source: ianslive
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