Patna, November 11 — Bihar witnessed its highest-ever voter turnout on Tuesday as 67.14 per cent of its 3.7 crore electorate cast their votes in the second and final phase of the assembly elections, according to provisional data released by election officials.
The turnout surpassed the previous record of 65.09 per cent registered in the first phase on November 6, and officials said the final figures were likely to rise as long queues were still seen outside several polling stations at closing time.
The concluding phase, spread across 122 constituencies, is being viewed as a referendum on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the state’s longest-serving leader.
Among the districts, Kishanganj — Bihar’s only Muslim-majority district — recorded the highest turnout at 76.26 per cent, followed by Katihar (75.23), Purnea (73.79), Supaul (70.69), and Araria (67.79).
Election officials said the peaceful and enthusiastic participation reflected growing voter engagement across regions. “The overall turnout indicates a strong desire among citizens to shape the political future of Bihar,” an Election Commission official noted.
