In the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls 2024, Bihar recorded the lowest voter turnout among all the states and union territories, with only 48.23 percent. In this phase, four districts of Bihar went to polls. Gaya recorded just a 52 percent voter turnout in 2024, whereas in 2004, Gaya witnessed a 61.51 percent turnout, 42.44 percent in 2009, 53.92 percent in 2014, and 56.18 percent in 2019.
In Aurangabad, there was a 50 percent voter turnout in 2024, 54.73 percent in 2004, 43.46 percent in 2009, 51.19 percent in 2014, and 53.67 percent in 2019. In Nawada, the voter turnout in 2024 was only 41.50 percent, the lowest among Bihar’s all four districts in this phase. The turnout was 67.09 percent in 2004, 41.61 percent in 2009, 52.18 percent in 2014, and 55.25 percent in 2019. In Jamui, in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, there was a 50 percent voter turnout. In 2004, when Jamui was not a Lok Sabha seat, the turnout was not applicable. In 2009, when Jamui became a Lok Sabha seat, the turnout was 38.12 percent. In 2014, it was 50.01 percent, and in 2019, it was 55.25 percent.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Bihar’s average voting was just 48.23 percent, the lowest in the first phase polls. In 2004, it was 61.11 percent, 41.40 percent in 2009, 51.82 percent in 2014, and 53.47 percent in 2019.
There are many reasons for the lowest voter turnout in Bihar. According to a survey, 72 percent of people express no trust in political parties. The poor education facilities and the education system in government schools, along with the lack of better medical facilities and services in government hospitals, contribute to the problem. Poor roads and inadequate facilities across Bihar, coupled with traffic jams in almost all Bihar cities, are also major issues. There is no proper high-quality and uninterrupted piped purified drinking water facilities across the state, from cities to villages. Rural development, unemployment, and inflation are also significant concerns. The lack of political agendas addressing climate change, global warming, heatwaves, and the development of green spaces in cities and villages contribute to the disillusionment. Additionally, poor electricity supply in villages, especially during the scorching summer, exacerbates voters’ enthusiasm. Voters boycotted votes at many polling booths in Bihar. These are the reasons for the lowest voter turnout in Bihar.
The low voter turnout is not just a statistic; it’s a reflection of the disenchantment and disillusionment prevailing among the people. To address this issue, significant efforts need to be made to restore people’s faith in the democratic process. There is an urgent need for comprehensive reform in various sectors, especially education, healthcare, infrastructure, and rural development. Politicians and policymakers need to listen to the grievances of the people and work towards providing better governance and infrastructure. Only then can Bihar, and indeed, the entire country, witness a healthy democratic process with enthusiastic voter participation.
