Patna, Nov 11 (NationPress) The second phase of the Bihar Assembly elections saw a significant increase in voter participation early Tuesday, with the Election Commission of India (ECI) reporting a turnout of 14.55 percent by 9 a.m. This is a remarkable figure for the initial two hours of polling.

The highest polling was observed in Gaya Ji, where the turnout reached 15.97 percent, followed by Kishanganj at 15.81 percent, Jamui at 15.77 percent, Purnea at 15.54 percent, and Araria at 15.34 percent.

Other notable polling figures include West Champaran at 15.04 percent, East Champaran at 14.11 percent, Sheohar at 13.94 percent, Sitamarhi at 13.49 percent, Madhubani at 13.25 percent, Supaul at 14.85 percent, Katihar at 13.77 percent, Bhagalpur at 13.43 percent, Banka at 15.14 percent, Kaimur at 15.08 percent, Rohtas at 14.16 percent, Arwal at 14.95 percent, Jehanabad at 13.81 percent, Aurangabad at 15.43 percent, and Nawada at 13.46 percent.

As polling continues, it is being conducted under strict security across 122 constituencies in 20 districts.

Similar to Phase-1, officials anticipate that the voter turnout will increase as the day progresses.

There has been a notable presence of women voters and first-time voters at polling stations since early morning, particularly in districts such as Sheohar, Supaul, Kishanganj, and West Champaran.

The elections are being held in 122 Assembly constituencies, which include 101 general, 19 SC-reserved, and 2 ST-reserved seats.

For this phase, the ECI established 45,399 polling stations, comprising 5,326 urban and 40,073 rural locations.

This setup features 595 women-managed booths, 91 booths for persons with disabilities, and 316 model stations.

All polling stations are equipped with webcasting capabilities.

An average of 815 electors are assigned per booth, with 3,70,13,556 electors eligible to vote in this phase.

This includes 10,21,812 new voters added to the rolls.

Among the registered electors, 1,95,56,899 are male, including 5,28,954 new male electors, while 1,70,68,572 are female voters, including 4,92,839 newly added females. The third gender voters total 943, with 90 newly added.

A total of 7,69,356 electors are aged between 18-19, marking them as first-time voters in an Assembly election.

The Bihar Police have implemented comprehensive security measures for the polling.

Enhanced security protocols are in effect across seven districts, including West Champaran, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Madhubani, Araria, and Kishanganj, which border India-Nepal. Surveillance has also been intensified along borders with Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

The international borders are fully secured, while inter-state borders have been closed since Sunday evening to deter infiltration and the movement of unauthorized elements.

In accordance with ECI directives, 1,650 companies of central security forces have been deployed statewide to guarantee peaceful and fair polling.

Security agencies are utilizing drones and CCTV cameras for monitoring, and Quick Response Teams (QRTs) are on standby for swift response in emergencies.