The excitement surrounding the Bihar elections reached its peak as women showed an overwhelming passion for participating in the democratic process. Just after the grand festival of Chhath, which holds significant importance in Bihar, the people of the state eagerly stepped forward to cast their votes in the first phase of the election. The bright sunlight did little to dampen the spirits of the voters, with elderly women and first-time young voters showing immense joy as they exercised their right to vote.
Enthusiasm Seen Across the State
As voting began in the early morning hours, despite the scorching heat, there was a sense of determination and excitement among the voters. In particular, women exhibited a unique level of enthusiasm. The sight of three generations of women voting together in Buxar was inspiring for other voters. At the Bind Adarsh Middle School in Asthawan, Mundrika Devi, a grandmother, managed to close her son’s shop and brought four generations of her family to vote. The group of 18 family members participated in the democratic process together, showcasing the importance of voting across generations.
The same energy was witnessed in Bhojpur’s Badhra assembly constituency, where polling stations saw long lines of women waiting to cast their votes from the early hours of the morning. In Munger, voting began promptly at 7 AM, with long queues forming at the booths. One of the most touching moments of the day came when 104-year-old Bajrangi Singh and his 95-year-old wife, Parvati Devi, voted together at the Agrahan Panchayat booth in Jamalpur. Their participation was a powerful symbol of the importance of voting, regardless of age.
Moreover, in various booths across the regions of Asthawan, Bind, and Sarmera, senior citizens ranging from 80 to 100 years old participated in the voting process. In Harnaut’s Basti village, 96-year-old Savitri Devi made it to the booth with the help of a wheelchair and assistance from DDC Shrikant Kundlik Khandecker. This act demonstrated the perseverance and determination of the elderly to engage in their civic duties.
Women’s Growing Enthusiasm for Voting
In Daronda, housewife Ramavati Devi mentioned that this time, women’s enthusiasm was noticeably higher than before. Many women in Bihar had shown great commitment to voting despite the early hours and tough conditions. In the Saran district, at multiple polling stations, lines of women were seen extending beyond those of men. There was a special kind of zeal observed in the female voters of Buxar. Shanti Devi, an 80-year-old woman, voted with the help of her son, Dilip Mishra, and a security personnel at the Dallupur polling center. This was a testament to how deeply women felt about participating in the election process, going beyond their household duties.
In Gopalganj’s Baikunthpur area, the situation changed after noon. After completing their household chores, a significant number of women arrived at the polling booths, ready to cast their votes. The sight of women standing in long queues for voting was a significant indicator of the growing political participation of women in the state.
Record Voter Turnout
The first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections saw a historic voter turnout, which was much higher than usual. After the conclusion of the first phase of voting, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar took to Twitter to express his gratitude to the voters for their overwhelming participation. He stated that the Election Commission was grateful for the trust voters had shown in the system and thanked everyone involved in the election process for their dedication and transparency.
Women’s Role in Strengthening Democracy
The growing participation of women in the electoral process in Bihar can be seen as a significant step towards gender equality in the political sphere. This reflects the changing social dynamics in the state, where women are increasingly taking part in not just household chores but also in shaping the future of the state through their votes. Women in Bihar are not only fulfilling their roles in the domestic sphere but also stepping out to make their voices heard, making an impact on the electoral outcomes.
The enthusiasm among women voters is a reflection of their belief in democracy and the importance of having a say in the governance of the state. It shows that women are becoming more politically aware and are committed to the idea of equal participation in the democratic process.
In conclusion, the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections in 2025 witnessed remarkable participation from women, with their enthusiasm and dedication to the voting process being truly inspiring. Despite the challenges posed by the weather and age, women of all ages—from the elderly to the first-time voters—ensured their presence at the polling stations. Their participation signifies the changing political landscape in Bihar and serves as a reminder of the growing role women play in shaping the future of the state.
With such active involvement from women voters, the Bihar elections are set to witness a change in the way women contribute to the democratic process. Their increased participation also signals the importance of encouraging more women to vote and contribute to the democratic system, which is essential for the progress of any nation. The elections are not just a celebration of democracy, but also a testament to the strength and determination of women in Bihar, who are playing a crucial role in shaping the future of their state.
