Under the directive of the Election Commission, district election officials in Bihar have been instructed to launch campaigns to increase voter turnout. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Bihar saw a voter turnout of 57.33%, while the national average was 67.47%. The state lagged behind the national average by nearly ten percent, despite being considered politically vigilant.
There was a disparity in voter turnout between urban and rural areas of the state. Looking back, in several elections, voters in Bihar have exceeded the national average. Between 1977 and 1999, during four Lok Sabha elections, Bihar’s voter turnout remained higher than the national average. However, in the 1989 and 2004 Lok Sabha elections, voter turnout in the state was around the national average.
In the 2019 elections, voters in the Seemanchal region turned out in large numbers. In districts like Kishanganj, Katihar, Purnia, Supaul, Araria, and Madhepura, voter turnout exceeded the state average. While the average voter turnout in the state was 57.33%, it exceeded 60% in Seemanchal. Notably, Kishanganj recorded 66.38%, Katihar 67.64%, Purnia 65.72%, and Supaul 64.79% voter turnout.
On the contrary, Central Bihar and Shahabad witnessed lower voter turnout in the previous elections. In constituencies like Patna Sahib, Nalanda, Karakat, Nawada, Jehanabad, Ara, Aurangabad, Buxar, and Sasaram (SC), voter turnout was notably low.
To address this, both the ruling party and the opposition are intensifying their social media campaigns. With nearly 2,000 people across the state, the ruling party’s social media team has begun contacting party workers and voters to convey the party’s welfare schemes and future plans.
In addition, around 25 LED screen-fitted vehicles have been arranged for election campaigning. These vehicles, adorned with posters and banners, will tour various constituencies, showcasing the developmental works undertaken by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and appealing for votes in favor of the NDA candidates.
Furthermore, preparations are underway to create new and attractive slogans and to design banners and posters for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. A special agency has been hired to supply banners and posters according to the demand in different constituencies. These campaign materials, including flags, banners, posters, badges, caps, and pens, will be available at reasonable prices at the party headquarters.
In every election, the ruling party crafts catchy slogans based on immediate and traditional issues. Similarly, for this Lok Sabha election, attractive slogans are being prepared to engage voters effectively.
