New Delhi, Nov 6 (NationPress) Bihar witnessed a remarkable estimated voter turnout of 60.18 percent during the inaugural phase of its Assembly elections on Thursday, even as the official polling period concluded at 5 p.m.

Nonetheless, electors who were in line prior to the designated time will still be permitted to vote.

A significant number of female voters were observed queuing to exercise their democratic right since the early hours of Thursday.

Recently, Bihar has gained recognition for its higher female participation compared to male voters.

The districts with the highest voting percentages included Begusarai (67.32 percent), Samastipur (66.65), Madhepura (65.74), and Muzaffarpur (65.23 percent).

On the other hand, Sheikhpura reported a lower turnout of 52.36 percent, while Bhojpur had 53.24 percent.

In Patna, the turnout was approximated at 55.02 percent.

These figures are expected to rise as final turnout statistics are compiled.

Out of Bihar's 243 Assembly seats, 121 were contested in this initial phase, while the remaining 122 will be voted on during the second phase on November 11.

Results are set to be announced on November 14.

The current Assembly's term is scheduled to end on November 22.

Reports of sporadic violence surfaced, including an assault on the convoy of Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha in Lakhisarai and another attack on a Communist Party of India vehicle in Chhapra.

In Chhapra, the vehicle of sitting candidate from Manjhi, Satyendra Yadav, was targeted on Thursday afternoon.

Tension escalated in Lakhisarai as stones and slippers were thrown at the convoy of BJP candidate Vijay Kumar Sinha.

The crowd allegedly surrounded him, chanting 'Murdabad', hindering his progress.

In the ensuing turmoil, security forces intervened to restore order.

Describing the incident as 'unfortunate', Deputy CM Sinha accused RJD supporters of attacking his convoy.

The Election Commission has taken this matter seriously, urging Bihar's Director General of Police Vinay Kumar to investigate and take necessary action.

Deputy CM Sinha has represented the Lakhisarai Assembly constituency since 2010.

In February 2005, he won this seat, but due to a split mandate that resulted in no party securing a majority, Bihar held elections again in October-November that year, where he lost to an RJD candidate.

The political contest in Bihar primarily lies between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Janata Dal-United leader and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and the Opposition Mahagathbandhan bloc spearheaded by RJD's Tejashwi Yadav.

The emergence of Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) this time could act as a disruptor and impact the electoral results in several constituencies.

Meanwhile, the RJD criticized the administration for alleged intentional power cuts at 'strong booths of the Mahagathbandhan' to hinder voting.

In response, the State Election Office dismissed these claims as 'entirely baseless and misleading.'

On social media, Bihar's Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Singh Gunjiyal stated that voting 'is proceeding smoothly at all polling locations in Bihar.'

It was further noted that 'the Election Commission of India is adhering to all established protocols to ensure a fair, transparent, and uninterrupted voting process.'

Additionally, the RJD shared statements from three voters alleging that in 'Sahibganj-98 Assembly Constituency, District- Muzaffarpur, Booth Number-147', they were informed their votes had already been cast.

However, these voters were later seen in a social media post from Bihar's CEO showcasing their inked fingers, confirming they had indeed exercised their voting rights.

The Patna district administration, addressing claims of disrupted boat services at Nasriganj Ghat affecting voters, denied these allegations, stating that 'voters are moving freely and exercising their voting rights without hassle.'

Among the candidates in this phase are the Mahagathbandhan’s Chief Ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav, BJP nominees Samrat Chaudhury and Vijay Kumar Sinha—both serving Deputy Chief Ministers, State JD-U President Umesh Kushwaha, and RJD's Bhola Yadav, a close associate of party leader Lalu Prasad Yadav.

Also contesting are Bhojpuri actor Khesari Lal Yadav (RJD) and renowned folk singer Maithili Thakur (BJP).

The election in Mokama will be closely monitored, especially after JD-U candidate Anant Singh was recently taken into custody for the murder of Dularchand Yadav while he was campaigning for JSP candidate Priyadarshi Piyush.