Voting for the first phase of assembly elections in Gopalganj district took place on 6 November 2025. Polling was held across six assembly constituencies from 7 am to 6 pm. By 3 pm, the district recorded a voting percentage of 58.17%. A total of 18 lakh 12 thousand 326 voters exercised their franchise at 2373 polling stations spread across the district. The six assembly seats that went to polls were Baikunthpur, Barauli, Gopalganj, Kuchaykot, Bhore and Hathua. Baikunthpur registered the highest turnout at 61.08% by afternoon, while Bhore recorded the lowest at 56.03%. Gopalganj seat saw 58.17% polling, Kuchaykot 59.04%, Barauli 56.09% and Hathua 60.20%. The election commission deployed over 12,000 polling personnel across all booths to ensure smooth conduct of voting. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) along with Bihar Police maintained tight security arrangements throughout the district. Special attention was given to sensitive and highly sensitive booths where additional security forces and surveillance teams were stationed. The administration established control rooms and deployed flying squads to monitor any code of conduct violations. All polling staff received training on Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines before being dispatched to their respective centres.
Polling Turnout Across Six Assembly Seats
The district witnessed varied voting patterns across its six constituencies. Baikunthpur led with 61.08% voter turnout by 3 pm, followed closely by Hathua at 60.20%. The Kuchaykot constituency recorded 59.04% polling, while Gopalganj seat itself registered 58.17%. Barauli saw 56.09% voters casting their ballots, and Bhore had the lowest turnout at 56.03% during the afternoon count. These figures represented steady participation throughout the day as voters from urban and rural areas queued at polling stations. The district administration set up 2373 polling centres to accommodate the large electorate of over 18 lakh voters. Each station was equipped with necessary facilities including drinking water, seating arrangements and separate queues for senior citizens and differently-abled voters. Election officials monitored the process continuously to address any technical issues or voter grievances promptly. The voting percentage was expected to rise further as polling continued until 6 pm in the evening across all constituencies in the district.
Deployment of Over 12,000 Polling Personnel
The election commission mobilized a massive workforce to conduct free and fair elections in Gopalganj. More than 12,000 polling staff members were assigned duties across the 2373 voting centres in the district. All personnel underwent comprehensive training sessions focused on operating Electronic Voting Machines and VVPAT systems before election day. The training also covered protocols for handling emergencies, managing voter queues and maintaining proper documentation during the voting process. Dispatch centres were established in the district where polling teams collected all necessary materials including ballot units, control units, voter lists, stationery items and security kits. Each polling team consisted of a presiding officer and three polling officers who worked together to ensure smooth functioning of their assigned booth. The staff reached their respective centres well before the scheduled start time of 7 am to complete preparatory work and conduct mock polls. Medical teams and technical support staff remained on standby throughout the day to assist polling teams. The administration also arranged transportation and accommodation for staff posted at remote polling stations to ensure their timely arrival and safe return after voting concluded.
Security Arrangements and Surveillance Measures
Stringent security protocols were implemented across Gopalganj to ensure peaceful and orderly voting. The administration deployed forces from Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) and Bihar Police at every polling station in the district. Sensitive and highly sensitive booths received extra security cover with additional paramilitary personnel stationed both inside and around the premises. Mobile patrolling units constantly moved through the district monitoring activities and responding to any reported incidents. Multiple checkpoints were established on major roads to prevent movement of illegal cash, liquor or other materials that could influence voters. Flying squads conducted surprise inspections at various locations to detect violations of the election code of conduct. The district control room maintained constant communication with all polling teams and security forces through wireless networks and helpline numbers. Video surveillance was arranged at critical booths to record proceedings for later review if needed. Police verified the identity of people entering polling stations and maintained crowd control measures. All these arrangements aimed to create an environment where voters could exercise their democratic rights without fear or pressure from any quarters.
Electorate and Voting Infrastructure Details
Gopalganj district prepared extensively to accommodate its large voter base for the first phase of elections. The total number of registered voters stood at 18 lakh 12 thousand 326 people who were eligible to cast their votes. The election commission established 2373 polling centres strategically located across urban and rural areas of all six assembly constituencies. Each centre had adequate facilities to handle voter traffic efficiently throughout the long polling hours from morning till evening. The administration ensured proper signage directing voters to their designated booths based on electoral roll information. Polling stations were equipped with ramps and ground floor access for elderly citizens and persons with disabilities. Separate queues were organized to expedite voting for these priority groups. Staff provided assistance to voters who needed help understanding the voting process or operating the machines. Adequate lighting, fans and drinking water arrangements were made at all centres. The district administration coordinated with local authorities to ensure uninterrupted power supply to polling stations using generators as backup where needed. All preparations focused on enabling maximum voter participation while maintaining the integrity and transparency of the electoral process across the district.
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