Madhubani (Bihar) [India], November 11 : Chandrika Devi, mother of Janata Dal (United) national working president Sanjay Kumar Jha, on Tuesday, hoped that Nitish Kumar would once again become Bihar's chief minister.
Speaking to ANI, Devi said that she remains hopeful that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government will bring employment opportunities across Bihar.
"I have voted. May Nitish Kumar become the CM again, and Bihar soars even higher. I offered prayers and then went to vote. He will indeed be the CM. There will be employment in all districts of the state," she said.
Meanwhile, Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) founder and chief Prashant Kishor said that people voting in large numbers indicates a step towards change, where no youth in Bihar will have to leave the state to earn a basic living.
"There is no slow voting happening. The voters of Bihar have shown that, post-independence, the maximum voting took place in the state in the first phase of this election. I believe voter turnout will exceed 65 per cent today, setting a new record. This vote is to bring change and ensure education and employment for youth. It is hoped that after November 14, no youth of Bihar will have to leave the state to earn Rs 10,000-14,000. People are voting in large numbers," Kishor said.
Bihar recorded a turnout of 47.62 per cent in the second phase of Assembly polls as of 1 pm, according to the data of the Election Commission of India.
The highest voter turnout was recorded in Kishanganj district with a voter turnout of 51.86 per cent, followed by 50.95 per cent in Gaya, 50.91 per cent in Jamui and 50.07 per cent in Banka.
Madhubani continues to record sluggish turnout at 43.39 per cent as of 1 pm, according to the Voter Turnout application of the ECI.
A turnout of 46.87 per cent was recorded in Araria, 47.11 per cent in Arwal, 49.45 per cent in Aurangabad, 45.09 per cent in Bhagalpur, 46.07 per cent in Jahanabad, 49.89 per cent in Kaimur (Bhabua), 48.50 per cent in Katihar, 43.45 per cent in Nawada, 48.91 per cent in Paschim Champaran, and 49.63 per cent in Purnia.
Purvi Champaran recorded a voter turnout of 48.01 per cent, 45.19 per cent in Rohtas, 48.23 per cent in Sheohar, 45.28 per cent in Sitamarhi and 48.22 per cent in Supaul.
Among the key constituencies, Supaul recorded a turnout of 47.66 per cent, Sasaram 45.23 per cent, Mohania 50.97 per cent, Kutumba 49.68 per cent, Gaya Town 39.09 per cent, Chainpur 51.05 per cent, Dhamdaha 50.16 per cent, Harsiddhi 46.62 per cent and Jhanjharpur 40.63 per cent.
Meanwhile, Bihar Congress president and Kutumba constituency candidate Rajesh Ram who arrived at a polling booth in an e-rickshaw to cast his vote urged citizens to participate peacefully in what he called the "festival of democracy." He was accompanied by his family to cast a vote.
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ashwini Kumar Choubey affirmed the National Democratic Alliance's victory in the Bihar Assembly polls, predicting that it would win more than 180 seats.
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal lauded the increase in voter turnout in the Bihar Assembly elections and expressed confidence in the victory of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Voting is underway across 122 constituencies in 20 districts in Bihar amid tight security arrangements.
The second phase will decide the fate of 12 ministers from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's cabinet. Among them are JD(U) leaders Vijendra Yadav (contesting from Supaul assembly constituency), Lesi Singh (Dhamdaha), Jayant Kushwaha (Amarpur), Sumit Singh (Chakai), Mohammad Jama Khan (Chainpur), and Sheela Mandal (Phoolparas).
Ministers from the BJP in the fray include Prem Kumar (Gaya), Renu Devi (Bettiah), Vijay Kumar Mandal (Sikati), Nitish Mishra (Jhanjharpur), Neeraj Bablu (Chhatapur), and Krishnanandan Paswan (Harsiddhi).
Other key constituencies include Sasaram, Imamganj, Mohania, Bihpur, Gopalpur, Pirpainti, Bhagalpur, Sultanganj, and Nathnagar. The first phase of the Bihar elections marked the highest polling percentage in the state's history. The state saw a record 65.08 per cent polling in the first phase of polling.
Counting of votes will take place on November 14.