Patna, November 11 — Bihar on Tuesday recorded its highest-ever voter turnout at 67.14 per cent during the second and concluding phase of the assembly polls, with officials calling it a landmark in the state’s electoral history.
Polling took place across 122 constituencies covering an electorate of around 3.7 crore. The turnout exceeded the 65.09 per cent recorded in the first phase on November 6, and officials said it could climb further as voters were still queued at several booths when polling ended.
“This is the highest voter turnout ever recorded in Bihar. The enthusiasm among voters was visible everywhere,” an election officer said.
The final phase, viewed as a crucial test for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s long tenure, witnessed a strong response from both urban and rural voters.
Kishanganj district led the state with a remarkable 76.26 per cent turnout, followed by Katihar (75.23), Purnea (73.79), Supaul (70.69) and Araria (67.79).
Officials said the smooth conduct of polling and higher participation, particularly in border and minority-dominated districts, reflected public confidence in the electoral process. “The record numbers show voters’ growing faith in democracy,” an Election Commission spokesperson noted.
