Bihar election phase one: 60.13% voter turnout recorded till 5 pm; Minapur tops participation chart

The phase, which will determine the fate of over 1,000 candidates, was marred by sporadic incidents of violence even as most areas reported peaceful polling.

Minapur constituency continued to record the highest voter turnout at 73.29%, according to figures released by the Election Commission.

Deputy CM’s convoy ‘attacked’ in Lakhisarai

Tensions flared in Lakhisarai, where Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha alleged that supporters of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) attacked his convoy.

Sinha claimed that a group of RJD workers surrounded his vehicle, shouted “Murdabad” slogans, and threw slippers and stones at him, halting his convoy’s movement.

Videos circulating on social media purportedly showed a mob pelting stones at the Deputy CM’s convoy.

The incident occurred in Khoriari village within Sinha’s own constituency, where police personnel were deployed.

Speaking to reporters, Sinha accused the RJD of resorting to intimidation and violence.

“These are RJD goons. The NDA is returning to power, and they will face the bulldozer. They didn’t even allow my polling agent to vote,” he said, warning that the incident was a reminder of the “jungle raj” the RJD would bring back if elected.

Sinha alleged that local authorities failed to act promptly during the attack.

“Slippers, cow dung, and stones were thrown at my convoy. The RJD workers were trying to capture the polling booth. We will lodge a formal complaint with the Election Commission,” he said.

EC orders strict action

Taking cognisance of the incident, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar directed the Bihar DGP to ensure strict action against the perpetrators, stating that “no one will be allowed to break the law.”

Lakhisarai SP Ajay Kumar said polling in the area was continuing smoothly despite the incident.

Munger Range DIG Rakesh Kumar confirmed an investigation was underway, adding, “Voting remains peaceful in Munger, Lakhisarai, and Sheikhpura. There has been no disruption in polling.”

CPI(ML) MLA’s convoy targeted in Saran

Violence was also reported from Saran district, where the convoy of CPI(ML) MLA Satyendra Yadav came under attack in the Manjhi assembly constituency.

Police said that the legislator and others inside the vehicle escaped unhurt. A search operation has been launched to trace the unidentified assailants described as “antisocial elements.”

High-stakes contests across constituencies

Several heavyweight candidates are contesting in this phase.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav is eyeing a third consecutive victory from Raghopur, where he faces Satish Kumar (BJP) of the NDA and Chanchal Kumar from the Jan Suraaj Party.

In Tarapur (Munger), Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary is pitted against RJD’s Arun Shah.

Meanwhile, Tej Pratap Yadav, Lalu Prasad’s estranged son and an Independent MLA, is contesting from Mahua in Vaishali district, challenging RJD’s Mukesh Kumar Raushan and LJP’s Sanjay Singh.

Election after SIR

This election follows the special intensive revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral rolls, which now list 7.24 crore voters — around 60 lakh fewer than before the revision.

Counting of votes for all phases is scheduled for November 14.