Voting for the first phase of the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections took place on November 6, 2025, in the Vidyapatinagar block under the Sarayranjan constituency. Polling began at 7:00 AM under tight security arrangements and continued peacefully throughout the day. By 1:00 PM, the turnout reached 43.49 percent, reflecting strong enthusiasm among voters. Long queues formed at polling stations from early morning, with women and first-time voters showing particular excitement. The Election Commission's efforts to boost voter participation appeared to have a visible impact. However, the day was not entirely without problems. Several polling booths experienced delays when Electronic Voting Machines malfunctioned. At polling station number 229 located in Madrasa Faizul Uloom Kabai Banghara in Babhangama area, voting was interrupted for nearly half an hour after the VVPAT device failed during the mock poll. Polling resumed only after the faulty VVPAT was replaced. Administrative officials, including the Assistant Electoral Officer and Block Development Officer Mahtab Ansari, confirmed that voting proceeded smoothly across the region. Security personnel, including the Sub-Divisional Police Officer Vivek Kumar Sharma and other district officials, conducted regular inspections and patrolling to maintain law and order. Special facilities such as wheelchairs were arranged for elderly and disabled voters, ensuring inclusive participation in the democratic process.
Strong Voter Enthusiasm at Polling Stations
Polling stations across Vidyapatinagar block witnessed enthusiastic participation right from the morning hours. Voters formed long queues at all locations, demonstrating their commitment to exercising their democratic rights. Women voters and young first-time voters displayed particularly high levels of excitement. The Election Commission's campaign to encourage greater voter turnout appeared to have worked effectively in this constituency. People from different age groups, including senior citizens, came out to cast their votes despite the early morning hours. The atmosphere at the booths remained orderly and peaceful, with voters patiently waiting for their turn. Administrative arrangements ensured smooth movement and minimal waiting times at most locations. The enthusiasm reflected the importance voters attached to this election and their determination to participate in choosing their representatives. Facilities provided by the administration, including proper seating arrangements and drinking water, helped maintain the positive atmosphere throughout the day.
Technical Issues Cause Delays at Some Booths
Despite the overall smooth conduct of voting, several polling stations faced technical difficulties with Electronic Voting Machines. The most notable problem occurred at polling station number 229 in Madrasa Faizul Uloom Kabai Banghara, located in the Babhangama area. During the mock polling procedure conducted before the actual voting commenced, the VVPAT device malfunctioned and stopped working properly. This technical failure forced election officials to halt the voting process at this particular booth. The interruption lasted approximately half an hour while technicians worked to resolve the issue. Unable to fix the faulty VVPAT device quickly, officials decided to replace it entirely with a new unit. Only after the replacement VVPAT was installed and tested successfully could voting resume at the station. Such technical glitches, though not widespread, highlighted the challenges in managing electronic voting infrastructure across numerous polling locations. Officials worked swiftly to minimize inconvenience to waiting voters and ensure that the delays did not significantly impact overall turnout.
Tight Security Measures Throughout the Day
Comprehensive security arrangements were implemented across all polling stations in Vidyapatinagar block to ensure peaceful and fair elections. Security forces maintained strict vigilance on all routes leading to voting centres from early morning. Sub-Divisional Police Officer Vivek Kumar Sharma personally supervised security operations alongside Sub-Divisional Officer Kishan Kumar, Circle Officer Kumar Harsh, and Station House Officer Suraj Kumar. These officials conducted continuous inspections and patrolling throughout the constituency to maintain law and order. The administration followed all prescribed security protocols rigorously. Special arrangements were made to accommodate senior citizens and voters with disabilities, including the provision of wheelchairs at polling stations. This ensured that no eligible voter faced difficulty in reaching the voting booth. The visible presence of security personnel helped create a safe environment that encouraged maximum participation. Officials remained alert to prevent any untoward incidents and respond quickly to any issues that arose during the voting process.
Official Turnout Figures and Administration Response
Assistant Electoral Officer and Block Development Officer Mahtab Ansari provided updates on the voting progress throughout the day. According to official figures, 43.49 percent of registered voters had exercised their franchise by 1:00 PM. This turnout indicated strong participation and suggested that the final figures would likely be substantial by the evening when polling concluded. Ansari confirmed that voting continued peacefully across the constituency without major disruptions beyond the technical issues at a few booths. The administration's preparedness helped handle the challenges effectively. Officials maintained constant communication with polling staff to address problems promptly. The peaceful atmosphere prevailing throughout the block reflected both the voters' discipline and the effectiveness of administrative arrangements. Multiple senior officials remained deployed in the field, conducting regular visits to polling stations and monitoring the situation closely. Their presence ensured quick resolution of any issues and maintained confidence among voters in the electoral process.
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