Bihar Assembly Election 2020 Voting Updates: 53.34% polling till 6 pm; Banka registers highest turnout at 59.57%

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

CEC says polling amid pandemic huge leap of faith for ECI

In a departure from trend, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on Wednesday addressed a press conference after completion of first phase of Assemply election in Bihar. Usually, the presser is addressed by state incharge of the ECI and the Chief Election Commissioner of the respective state. 

Arora thanked the state and EC authorities for smoothly conducting the voting. He said that conducting the polls amid pandemic in a smooth manner was a huge leap of faith for the ECI, instead of a step in the dark.

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

District-wise polling percentage till 6 pm

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

Minimal cases of EVM malfunctioning reported in first phase polling: EC

The election commission has said that these elections were conducted in a satisfactory manner with very minimal cases of Electronic Voting Machine malfunction were reported this year. The ECI said that only 0.22% of the total ballot units deployed developed a glitch, 0.25% control units were reported as malfunctioning and only 1.25% VVPATS had to be replaced. 

The malfunctions impacted voting time in only one Assembly constitutency: 241 Jamui, where polling had been extended till 7 pm to make up for the lost time.

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

Satisfactory polling in 4 extreme Left-wing districts: ECI

Election Commissioner in a press briefing today said that the polling for first phase included 12 Naxal-hit districts, of which four were considered extremely hit by the Left-wing extremism. He, however, expressed satisfaction about the arrangement and said the polling was conducted in a satisfactory manner.

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

State records 51.68% polling till 5 pm

According to the state election commission, over 51 percent polling has been recorded in first phase toll 5 pm. The state also saw a good turnout in areas that are under the Naxal influence. According to Hindustan, over 40 percent polling was recorded in all such seats, with the maximum, 49.21 percent votes in Dharhara block of Munger district. 

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

EC presser on Bihar first phase polling at 6.30 pm 

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

Tejashwi seeks HC-monitored probe into Munger firing

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday demanded a High Court-monitored probe into the Munger incident in which one person was killed and over two dozen others, including security personnel, were injured in firing and stone-pelting during goddess Durga idol immersion.

While people alleged the young man, who was in his early 20s, died in police firing, the administration said he was hit by a bullet fired by somebody from among the crowd. Munger Superintendent of Police Lipi Singh is the daughter of RCP Singh, the JD(U) leader in the Rajya Sabha. With the incident coming at a time when Bihar is voting on 71 constituencies in the first phase Wednesday, opposition parties are making every efforts to corner the ruling NDA.

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

Lakhisarai records highest voter turnout until 3 pm

The maximum 49.84 percent turnout has been recorded in Lakhisarai, followed by Buxar (48.91 percent), Kaimur (49.26 percent), Banka (47.44 percent), Patna (45.77 percent), and Bhagalpur (45.51 percent) among others.

Only Sandesh and Barbigha assembly seats have seen less than 40 percent voting till 3 PM out of the total 71 constituencies in the first phase.

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

Polling ends at 5 more seats in Bihar; voting still underway at 36 seats

Polling ended at 5 pm on five seats in Bihar, namely:  Arwal, Kurtha, Jehanabad, Ghosi, Makhdumpur (Reserved). Earlier, polling had ended at 30 seats at 4 pm and four seats at 3 pm. This leaves 36 seats where polling is scheduled to end at 6 pm

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

Polling ends at 30 of 71 seats

The voting has ended at 30 of the 71 seats that went to polls today. According to Hindi news publication Hindustan, voting was conducted between 7 am to 4 pm on 26 seats, while polling concluded at four seats in red corridor at 3 pm only.

Polling was concluded at 4 pm at Katoriya (Reserved), Belhar, Tarapur, Munger, Jamalpur, Suryagarh, Patraki (Reserved), Paliganj, Chenari (Reserved), Sasaram, Karakat, Goh , Obra, Aurangabad, Gurua, Sherghati, Imamganj (Reserved), Barachatti (Reserved), Bodhgaya (Reserved), Tikari, Rajauli (Reserved), Govindpur, Sikandra (Reserved), Jamui, Jhajha, and Chakai. 

The only exception to this is 12 booths in Jamu where polling will continue till 7 pm as some time was lost due to

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

In a first, Modi goes after Tejashwi Yadav during poll rally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a first today, took on 31-year-old Tejashwi Yadav, the Chief Ministerial candidate of the opposition, a move that was not lost on poll watchers and analysts. 

At a poll rally, Modi reminded the people about the 15-year RJD rule, which is often termed jungle raaj in local political speak.

“People of Bihar do not keep any expectations from the “Yuvraj Of Jungle Raj” (Crown prince of the jungle raj) owing to their previous track record,” PM Modi said. “He ought to be evaluated on the basis of a track record about which the people know much better than I do,” added the Prime Minister.

However, the move did not go unnoticed by poll watchers, who commented that the prime minister himself acknowledging the young leader’s presence in the poll fray means that he has been making BJP nervous with his undeniable presence. 

Congress compares Nitish Kumar with General Dyer, slams govt over Mungeri firing incident

Hitting out at the Bihar government over the Munger firing incident in which a devotee was killed, the Congress compared Chief minister Nitish Kumar with General Dyer on Wednesday and demanded that he should apologise. Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said human beings were treated as animals and worms by the police in Munger, when they beat up devotees taking out Durga idols “cruelly and mercilessly”.

Singhvi added that General Dyer was at least a foreigner and represented a colonial power, but the Munger incident reminds everyone of barbarism and cruelty “against our own people by our own people”.

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

ECI says voting underway in accordance with COVID protocol

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

Bihar registers over 46% turnout in first phase till 3 pm

At least 46.29 percent of the nearly 2.14 crore voters have already cast there vote up till 3 pm in the first phase of Bihar elections. With three more hours of voting left, the numbers give hope that the voting percentage may break last election’s record. 

In the 2015 Assembly election, Bihar had seen unprecedented voting after 15 years, with an overall 56.8 percent voter turnout in the entire election while 57 percent turnout in the first phase alone.

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

BJP files complaint against Rahul Gandhi over tweet

The BJP filed a complaint with the Election Commission against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his tweet, alleging it sought votes for the Mahagathbandhan. The tweet said that voting for the RJD-Congress-Left combine will be a vote for jobs, justice and farmers’ welfare.

The complaint sought legal action against the leader for violating the Model Code of Conduct.

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

Only NDA can fulfil Bihar’s aspirations: Modi

Speaking at a rally in Patna, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the people that only the NDA can understand and fulfil the aspirations of the poor and middle class in Bihar and not those who “only thought of their families”.

“Just like you can save yourself from COVID-19 with a mask, similarly, with a single vote you can save Bihar from becoming ‘bimar’,” he said.

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

Cannot compete with PM in terms of lying: Rahul Gandhi

Hitting out at the Centre over demonetisation and lockdown, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said at a rally in Balmiki Nagar that the actions were aimed at small farmers, small businesses, traders and labourers.

“Now, the Prime Minister doesn’t say in speeches that he’ll give jobs to 2 crore youths. He knows he was lying and people also know it. I guarantee, if PM comes here and says he’ll give 2 crore jobs, the crowd will chase him away,” he further added.

“We gave MNREGA, waived off farmers’ loans. We know how to run the country, stand with farmers and generate employment, but yes, we do lack one thing – we don’t know how to lie. We cannot compete with him (PM) at lying,” Rahul Gandhi said.

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

Polls an opportunity to elect those who pulled state out of darkness: Modi

Speaking at a rally in Muzaffarpur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a dig at the RJD and said, “The party which is infamous for closing down industries of Bihar, from whom investors maintained distance, is today promising development to the state’s people. Let alone government jobs, if they come to power even private companies will flee from Bihar."

He urged people to elect the NDA government once again. “Bihar elections is an opportunity to re-elect those who pulled the state out of darkness,” he said.

“You can imagine what will happen to the funds for #COVID19 if they come to power. What else can people of Bihar expect from the ‘Yuvraj’ (prince) of ‘Jungle Raj’, given their past record?” Modi asked.

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

Jitan Ram Manjhi casts vote

Former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi cast his vote at a polling booth in Gaya. He expressed confidence that out of the 71 seats that went to polls today, NDA will comfortably win in around 50 seats.

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

FIR to be filed against BJP leader for violating MCC

The Returning Officer will file an FIR against Bihar Minister and BJP leader Prem Kumar for violation of the model code of conduct by wearing a mask with his party’s symbol at a polling booth in Gaya, ANI reported.

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

Those questioning Ram temple timeline now applauding for us: Modi

Addressing a rally in Darbhanga, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the state has made a lot of progress under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. “The ones who questioned dateline of Ayodhya Ram Mandir are now clapping in appreciation. It is the identity of BJP and NDA, we do what we promise,” he said.

“People of Bihar have taken a resolve to again defeat those who brought ‘jungle raj’ in the state, those who looted Bihar. These are the people under whose government crime was rampant in the state,” he went on to add.

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

RJD Jamui candidate demands cancellation of polling at 55 booths

RJD’s candidate from Jamui VijayPrakash has demanded that polling at 55 booth in his constituency be cancelled over the repeated malfunctioning of EVMs, India Today reported. Prakash, who is pitted against BJP’s Shreyasi Singh, blamed the Centre and BJP for the EVMs not working, saying the seat would have voted for RJD.

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

Polling agent, elderly voter die in Nawada, Sasaram

A polling agent, identified as Krishna Singh, died due to a heart attack at Phulma booth in Hisua assembly segment in Nawada district, according to Hindustan Times .

Meanwhile in Sasaram, a 65-year-old voter, identified as Heera Mahto, reportedly died after getting unconscious while standing in a queue at a polling station.

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

BJP leader accused of violating MCC

Bihar Minister and BJP leader Prem Kumar arrives at a polling booth in Gaya to cast his vote wearing a mask with his party’s symbol.  

‘Keep Bihar on path of development’, Amit Shah appeals to voters

Union home minister Amit Shah appealed to voters in the first phase to come out to vote in large numbers. He said, “One vote of yours will keep Bihar away from fear and corruption, and keep it on the path to progress and development.”

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

Paliganj recorded 21.33 turnout till 11 am

Till 11 am, the voter turnout percentage in Masauri was 20.1 percent, 21.33 in Paliganj and 19.57 in Bikram.

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

Bihar will progress if NDA comes to power, says Nitish

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar said that the state will progress if NDA comes to power again. He appealed to people in Darbhanga to vote for the NDA, as reported by News18.

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

14.56% turnout till 11 am

Voting for the phase 1 of Bihar Assembly elections began at 7 am on Wednesday and the turnout has been recorded at 14.56 percent till 11 am. According to the Voter Turnout App, the highest turnout was recorded in Lakhisarai at 26.28 percent. While the lowest was recorded in Bhagalpur at 5.27 percent.

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

Balgudar villagers boycott polls

Voters in Lakhisarai constituency’s Balgudar village did not turn up at the polling booth in protest against the construction of a museum on a playground.

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

Chirag Paswan is Tejashwi Yadav’s B-team: JD(U)’s Sanjay Jha

Janata Dal (United) leader Sanjay Jha called Chirag Paswan “Tejashwi Yadav’s B team”. “To help Tejashwi, this entire game is being played. Chirag Paswan has failed in ‘Reel’ life as well as in his real life,” he further said.

Meanwhile, Congress’ Bihar in-charge Shaktisinh Gohil said, “BJP wants to keep ‘Chirag’ in their hand to light up their home and burn down Nitish ji’s house. BJP wants to use Chirag first, then get rid of him later.”

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

7.35% voter turnout till 10 am

According to the Voter Turnout App, 7.35 percent voter turnout has been recorded till 10 am in the 71 constituencies of 243-member Assembly in the phase one elections.

The highest turnout was recorded in Banka at 9.70 percent. While the lowest was recorded in Bhagalpur and Patna at 2.67 percent.

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

‘Double engine government’ has role in Munger firing: Tejashwi Yadav

Condemning the firing by police during a Durga Puja procession in Munger on Monday in which one person was killed, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, “Bihar’s deputy CM had appealed to criminals to keep low for now, and continue with their activities later. This speaks volumes about the law and order situation in state.”

He further added, “We condemn firing by police in Munger. This double-engine govt definitely had a role in it. We want to ask Deputy CM Sushil Modi who gave permission to become General Dyer? We want High Court-monitored probe.”

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

33 of 71 constituencies ‘sensitive or hypersensitive’

As many as 33 of the constituencies going to polls in the first phase have been declared as “sensitive or hypersensitive” constituencies. Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) Jitendra Kumar told PTI-Bhasha that paramilitary forces have been deployed in adequate strength at all polling stations and the buildings housing them.

The local police has also been used to supplement the paramilitary forces wherever required, he said, adding the services of home guard jawans will also be taken at polling stations for works like maintaining the queue.

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

Bihar minister cycles to Gaya polling booth

Bihar minister Prem Singh rode a bicycle to reach a polling booth in Gaya to cast his vote. Meanwhile, BJP candidate from Jamui Shreyasi Singh cast her vote at a polling booth in Naya Gaon.

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

Vote for jobs and justice: Rahul Gandhi

Urging people to vote for the Mahagathbandhan, Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi, “This time, vote for justice, employment, farmers and labourers and for Mahagathbandhan.”

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

Nitish Kumar will ditch BJP to join RJD: Chirag Paswan

Even one vote given to Nitish Kumar will not only weaken and ruin Bihar, but will also strengthen the RJD and the Grand Alliance, Chirag Paswan said in a tweet in Hindi. “He has done preparations to leave the BJP and go with the RJD after the elections. Earlier also, he has formed the government with the blessings of RJD,” the tweet read.

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

LJP fields most candidates against JD(U), other parties

The Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) exited the NDA, but fielded most of its candidates against JD(U) and other parties of the alliance, and not the BJP. The LJP is contesting in 42 seats in the first phase, none of which are seeing BJP candidates in the fray.

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

Narendra Modi urges voters to participate in ‘festival of democracy’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters in Bihar to ensure all precautions, including maintaining social distancing and wearing masks. In a message encouraging people to vote, he said, “Pehle matdaan, phir jalpaan (first voting, then refreshment).”

Bihar Phase 1 election polling latest updates

Giriraj Singh offers prayers at Lakhisarai temple

Union Minister Giriraj Singh visited a temple in Barahiya, Lakhisarai and appealed to voters to exercise their franchise.

Lakhisarai Assembly constituency falls under the Munger Lok Sabha constituency and consists of maximum rural population. Bharatiya Janata Party’s Vijay Kumar Sinha is the incumbent MLA.

In the last election, BJP’s Vijay Kumar Sinha and JD(U)’s Ramanand Mandal were in the fray. This time, Sinha will face competition from Congress’s Amaresh Kumar and BSP’s Rajiv Ranjan Kumar Rai.