Voting for the first phase of elections in Gopalganj district, Bihar, began at 7 a.m. on 6 November 2025 and will continue until 6 p.m. The district has six assembly constituencies where polling is underway. By 11 a.m., the voter turnout stood at 28.37 percent across the district. A total of 18,12,326 voters are exercising their franchise at 2,373 polling stations set up for this phase. The six assembly seats going to polls are Baikunthpur (seat number 99), Barauli (100), Gopalganj (101), Kuchaykot (102), Bhore (103), and Hathua (104). The turnout varied across constituencies, with Hathua recording the highest at 32.40 percent and Gopalganj the lowest at 12.99 percent by mid-morning. Over 12,000 polling staff have been deployed to manage the electoral process smoothly. Security arrangements are comprehensive, with Central Armed Police Force and Bihar Police personnel stationed at every booth. Additional forces have been positioned at sensitive and highly sensitive polling stations. Patrolling teams and checkpoints have been established throughout the district to prevent any code of conduct violations or disturbances. All polling personnel received specialized training on operating Electronic Voting Machines and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail systems before deployment. Dispatch centers ensured that all necessary materials, including voter lists, stationery, and security kits, reached the polling teams in advance.
Voter Turnout Across Six Assembly Constituencies
By 11 a.m. on voting day, different assembly seats in Gopalganj showed varying levels of participation. Hathua (seat 104) recorded the highest turnout at 32.40 percent, followed closely by Kuchaykot (seat 102) with 31.92 percent. Barauli (seat 100) reported 30.91 percent voting, while Bhore (seat 103) registered 29.60 percent participation. Baikunthpur (seat 99) saw 27.27 percent of voters cast their ballots in the initial hours. The lowest turnout was in Gopalganj town (seat 101), where only 12.99 percent had voted by mid-morning. The disparity in percentages suggests urban areas started slower than rural constituencies. Polling officials expect participation to increase significantly during afternoon and evening hours as working voters reach polling stations after completing daily tasks. Weather conditions remained favorable throughout the morning, encouraging voters to come out. Electoral officers are monitoring the turnout closely across all constituencies to ensure maximum democratic participation by the close of polling at 6 p.m.
Extensive Security Measures for Peaceful Polling
Authorities implemented comprehensive security arrangements to ensure peaceful and fair elections across Gopalganj district. Every polling station has been staffed with personnel from the Central Armed Police Force and Bihar Police. Special attention has been given to sensitive and highly sensitive booths, where additional security forces and monitoring teams have been deployed. Throughout the district, patrolling units maintain continuous surveillance to detect and prevent any irregularities or attempts to violate the election code of conduct. Checkpoints have been established at strategic locations to monitor movement and prevent unauthorized activities. Security personnel received clear instructions to remain vigilant while maintaining a non-intimidating presence that encourages voters to exercise their rights freely. The multi-layered security approach aims to create an environment where every eligible voter feels safe participating in the democratic process. Officers are also equipped to handle any emergency situations that might arise during the day-long polling exercise. This tight security net reflects the election commission's commitment to conducting free, fair, and peaceful elections across all six assembly constituencies in the district.
Over 12,000 Trained Staff Managing Elections
The electoral process in Gopalganj is being managed by more than 12,000 polling personnel deployed across 2,373 polling stations. Every staff member received specialized training before election day to handle responsibilities efficiently. Training sessions focused particularly on the proper operation of Electronic Voting Machines and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail systems to ensure technical accuracy during voting. Polling teams were briefed on procedures for voter identification, maintaining queue discipline, assisting elderly and differently-abled voters, and handling any disputes that might arise at booths. From dispatch centers, all necessary materials were distributed to polling stations well in advance. This included voter lists, ballot units, control units, writing materials, indelible ink, security seals, and emergency kits. Each polling station received adequate supplies to function smoothly throughout the day. Staff members work in shifts to maintain alertness and efficiency during the lengthy polling hours from morning until evening. The extensive preparation and training of personnel demonstrate the election commission's determination to conduct the voting process professionally and transparently, ensuring that every voter's experience is smooth and their vote is accurately recorded.
Electoral Exercise Across Gopalganj District
Gopalganj district is participating in the first phase of Bihar assembly elections on 6 November 2025. The electoral exercise covers six assembly constituencies with varying political dynamics and candidate profiles. A total of 18,12,326 registered voters are eligible to decide the political fate of candidates competing for these seats. Polling began promptly at 7 a.m. across all 2,373 polling centers and will conclude at 6 p.m., giving voters an eleven-hour window to cast their ballots. The district has witnessed active campaigning in preceding weeks, with major political parties including BJP, JDU, RJD, and Jan Suraaj fielding candidates. Key contests involve established political figures and newcomers alike, making several seats hotly contested. Electoral authorities have made special arrangements for elderly citizens, persons with disabilities, and first-time voters to ensure inclusive participation. Mobile teams are available to assist voters facing difficulties reaching polling stations. The smooth conduct of elections in this phase is seen as crucial for maintaining public confidence in the democratic process. Results from these six seats will be counted along with other constituencies after all polling phases conclude across Bihar.
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