Patna witnessed a significant political spectacle on Tuesday as leaders from across party lines participated in the second phase of the Bihar assembly elections, casting their votes at various polling stations while expressing confidence about their respective alliances emerging victorious.
Leaders Make Eco-Friendly Statements
Outgoing state cabinet minister and Gaya candidate Prem Kumar made an environmental statement by cycling to his polling booth to exercise his franchise. Meanwhile, Congress state president and Kutumba candidate Rajesh Ram arrived with his family in an e-rickshaw, emphasizing sustainable transportation methods.
Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Ram interpreted the substantial voter participation as a clear indication of public desire for transformation. He observed that the body language of both voters and alliance leaders had shifted significantly, suggesting that the two-decade-old government in Bihar would witness a change.
Conflicting Interpretations of Voter Sentiment
However, JD(U) acting president Sanjay Jha presented a contrasting perspective, asserting that the NDA was heading toward a record-breaking majority. He dismissed any notions of anti-incumbency against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, instead highlighting what he described as pro-incumbency and a strong undercurrent of support for the government among the electorate.
BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal echoed this optimism after casting his vote, encouraging citizens to participate in the democratic process. He characterized the high voter turnout as a positive indicator for the NDA and confidently predicted that the alliance would cross the 200-seat mark in the assembly.
Appeals for Change and Development
Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor, who voted in Kargahar within Rohtas district, appealed to the electorate to utilize their voting rights wisely. He urged people not to remain confined to their homes or neighborhoods but to venture out to polling stations and vote for change that would ensure their betterment.
Kishor further elaborated that the robust turnout reflected a mood for transformation where no young person in Bihar would need to leave the state to earn basic livelihood, indicating his vision for improved employment opportunities within Bihar.
Other prominent political figures who exercised their voting rights included BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal, former chief minister and HAM(S) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi, Purnia MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, and senior BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain.
Key Contests and Ministerial Participation
This electoral phase features twelve ministers from Nitish Kumar's cabinet contesting for their political futures. The JD(U) leaders in the fray include Bijendra Yadav from Supaul, Lesi Singh from Dhamdaha, Jayant Kushwaha from Amarpur, Sumit Singh from Chakai, Mohammad Zama Khan from Chainpur, and Sheela Mandal from Phoolparas.
The BJP's list of candidates comprises Prem Kumar from Gaya, Renu Devi from Bettiah, Vijay Kumar Mandal from Sikati, Nitish Mishra from Jhanjharpur, Neeraj Bablu from Chhatapur, and Krishnanandan Paswan from Harsiddhi.
Atri Constituency: A Prestige Battle
In Gaya, Union MSME minister Jitan Ram Manjhi became the sole Union minister to vote in the Magadh division. He cast his ballot at the upgraded middle school polling station in Mahkar village under the Atri constituency, which represents a contest carrying significant personal stakes for him.
Earlier, Manjhi had expressed two primary wishes: recognition of HAM(S) by the Election Commission, which requires eight MLAs, and the allotment of the Atri seat to his party. While the first remains unfulfilled since HAM(S) is contesting only six seats, the second materialized following intense negotiations within the NDA alliance.
HAM(S) fielded Romit Kumar, nephew of JD(U) leader and former MP Arun Kumar, from Atri. This decision, however, sparked internal dissent that prompted the resignation of several OBC leaders, including Radhe Shyam Prasad, who headed the party's backward cell.
The Atri constituency has now evolved into a prestige battle for Manjhi. Nevertheless, judging by current voting patterns, his candidate confronts a challenging uphill struggle to retain the seat.
The record-breaking voter participation has introduced a new dimension to this year's electoral contest, with both major alliances interpreting the high turnout to their advantage. While the opposition characterizes it as a vote for change, the ruling NDA claims it reflects robust support for Nitish Kumar's double-engine government concept.
