Bihar records 18.31% turnout till 11 AM in 1st phase of assembly polls
Patna: Over 18.30 percent voter turnout has been recorded till 11 AM in the first phase of Bihar assembly polls on Wednesday, the Election Commission said in its provisional data.
A total of 71 assembly segments of the state's 243 constituencies are voting in the first phase in which nearly 2.15 crore voters will decide the electoral fate of over 1,000 candidates.
As per the provisional voter turnout data updated by the Election Commission at 11 AM, 18.31 percent of the total electorates have exercised their franchise.
The 71 constituencies are spread across 16 districts.
The maximum 26.76 percent turnout has been recorded in Lakhisarai, followed by Nawada (23.42%) and Banka (22.58 percent).
Among other districts, Buxar has recorded 19.10 percent turnout, Gaya 19.02 percent, Aurangabad 18.46 percent, Sheikhpura 17.31 percent, Kaimur (Bhabua) 16.98 percent, and Bhojpur 16.21 percent.
Munger recorded a turnout of 15.71 percent, Rohtas 15.32 percent, Arwal 14.81 percent, Jamui 13.91 percent, Jehanabad 11.39 percent, Bhagalpur 6.84 percent, and Patna 5.96 percent.
Union minister and senior BJP leader Giriraj Singh cast his vote at a polling booth in Lakhisarai, while former Bihar chief minister and HAM president Jitan Ram Manjhi exercised his franchise at a booth in Gaya.
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CID investigation accelerated in Neha Hiremath Murder, CM Siddaramaiah ensures strict punishment
Bidar: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has expressed strong condemnation for the tragic murder of Neha Hiremath from Hubli and has assured speedy action against the accused through an expedited CID investigation.
Speaking to the media in Bidar today, the Chief Minister addressed the BJP's call for a CBI investigation, stating, "Did the BJP refer any cases to the CBI during their tenure? I have done so while in power. What moral authority do they have to demand it now? This should not be politicized." He further said that the accused has been already apprehended and that the CID is actively conducting investigations, with a charge sheet to be prepared soon.
Stern approach to justice, no political exploitation
CM Siddaramaiah urged other parties not to politicise Neha's murder, stressing the government's unwavering commitment to ensuring severe punishment for the guilty parties. "Neha's murder was an injustice, and we unequivocally condemn it. It should not be exploited for political gains," he asserted.
Modi's unfulfilled promises
Responding to criticism from Prime Minister Modi regarding the Congress manifesto's wealth redistribution plans, Siddaramaiah questioned Modi's track record of fulfilling promises, such as the infamous pledge of depositing 15 lakh rupees into each citizen's account and creating 2 crore jobs. He challenged whether Modi has effectively addressed the issue of rising essential commodity prices.
Continuation of muslim community reservation
Addressing Modi's remarks on Congress's proposed redistribution of reservation quotas to include the Muslim community, Siddaramaiah clarified that the 4% reservation for Muslims has been in place since 1994, based on the Chinnappa Reddy Commission's recommendation. He highlighted that despite challenges in the past, this reservation continues to be upheld, reaffirming the government's commitment to social justice.
