Boat Access to Polls: Bihar Residents Navigate Water Barriers to Vote in Assembly Elections

Danapur Diara, a flood-prone riverine area near Danapur town in Patna district, witnessed locals using boats to reach polling stations during the first phase of Bihar assembly elections.

Patna residents faced significant challenges as voting commenced for Bihar's assembly polls. Residents of Danapur Diara had to rely on boats to access polling stations and exercise their democratic right to vote.

The area, characterized by its vulnerability to flooding, lies in close proximity to Danapur town within Patna district's boundaries.

In conversation with ANI, a local resident expressed frustration over infrastructure deficiencies, stating, "We are waiting for a boat. Without a bridge, we have no choice but to wait. We need to cross to Diara to cast our votes. If a bridge existed, we would have used it. Our leaders should prioritize bridge construction in this area."

Another community member voiced similar concerns, saying, "Despite our desire to vote, crossing the water remains impossible without a bridge. We're forced to wait for boats. A bridge would serve multiple purposes, including access for ambulances and school transportation."

Danapur Diara falls within the Danapur assembly constituency, where BJP has nominated Ram Kripal Yadav while Rashtriya Janata Dal has fielded Rit Lal Roy as their candidate.

The first phase of voting will continue until 6 pm, though some constituencies will conclude polling at 5 pm.

According to the Election Commission of India, Bihar recorded a 42.31 percent voter turnout by 1 pm in the first phase of the assembly elections.

Among the 18 districts participating in this phase, Gopalganj led with the highest turnout at 46.73 percent, followed by Lakhisarai at 46.37 percent and Begusarai at 46.02 percent by early afternoon.

Patna, Bihar's capital, reported the lowest voter participation among all districts with only 37.72 percent turnout recorded.

Other districts showed varying levels of participation: Bhojpur registered 41.15 percent, Buxar 41.10 percent, Darbhanga 39.35 percent, Khagaria 42.94 percent, Madhepura 44.16 percent, Munger 41.47 percent, Muzaffarpur 45.41 percent, Nalanda 41.87 percent, Saharsa 44.20 percent, Samastipur 43.03 percent, Saran 43.06 percent, Sheikhpura 41.23 percent, Siwan 41.20 percent, and Vaishali 42.60 percent by 1 pm.

Key constituencies reported the following turnout figures: Raghopur 43.3 percent, Mahua 40.41 percent, Alinagar 37.50 percent, Tarapur 44.35 percent, Lakhisarai 44.20 percent, Chapra 39.57 percent, Bankipur 25 percent, Phulwari 40.98 percent, Raghunathpur 42.23 percent, Siwan 40.19 percent, and Mokama 41.78 percent.