In pictures Bihar Assembly Election Phase 1: Over 64% voting; Youth reject caste politics, demand jobs

More than 64% voting was recorded. According to Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Singh Gunjiyal, 64.46% voters turned out to cast their votes in 121 constituencies in the first phase of Bihar Assembly elections, PTI reported. Voting took place at 45,341 polling stations, including more than 36,700 polling stations in rural areas. (Image: PTI)

3.75 crore voters will decide the fate of 1,314 candidates. Over 3.75 crore people were eligible to vote, choosing from 1,314 candidates. Voting passed peacefully except for sporadic incidents in some districts. The next phase of voting for 122 seats will be held on November 11 and counting of votes will take place on November 14. (Image: PTI)

Record low turnout in Begainai Leads, Patna. The highest turnout was recorded in Begusarai district at 67.32%, followed by Samastipur (66.65%) and Madhepura (65.74%). In contrast, urban Patna saw low participation, with Bankipur (34.80%), Digha (31.89%) and Kumhrar (37.73%) showing limited enthusiasm. (Image: PTI)

Sporadic incidents led to brief tension on the day of voting. Voting was largely peaceful, although Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha alleged that RJD “goons” attacked his convoy in Lakhisarai while he was addressing complaints of voter intimidation, PTI reported. The Election Commission sought a report, while the RJD dismissed his claim as “political drama”. Another minor incident was reported from Saran, where the convoy of CPI (ML) MLA Satyendra Yadav was attacked, but no one was injured. (Image: PTI)

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Young voters want jobs, education and clean politics. First-time voters in Patna told PTI that they are more concerned about employment, education and governance than caste politics. Students like Bhavya Singh and Shruti Mishra said the next government should focus on curbing migration, improving higher education and creating employment opportunities in Bihar. (Image: PTI)

NDA’s bank on welfare and women voting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the high participation of women and called it a positive sign for the NDA. The ruling coalition is counting on its record of “good governance” (good governance) and recent welfare measures like free electricity, cash transfers to women and pension hike to counter the anti-incumbency wave. (Image: PTI)

The opposition is pushing for change and a “new Bihar”. Calling for change, RJD chief Lalu Prasad compared it to “turning bread”, which risks burning if left for too long. Tejashwi Yadav-led India Bloc has promised a government focused on education, medicine, earning, hearing and getting things done – education, healthcare, jobs, accountability and action. (Image: PTI)

Third Front eyes success. Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraj Party made its electoral debut by appealing to voters disenchanted with traditional politics. Kishor’s advocacy for reforms including ending prohibition in Bihar and promoting development-driven governance has added a new dimension to the contest. (Image: PTI)