Festival, heat fail to deter women voters in Bihar

PATNA/AURANGABAD: Women voters outnumbered men at several booths in Gaya, Nawada, Jamui and Aurangabad constituencies which went to the polls on Thursday. Their turnout was better in rural areas.
Such was the enthusiasm among women that many preferred casting votes to performing household chores like preparing breakfast or cleaning their houses in the morning.

“First comes voting then making or eating breakfast,” said Prerna Jain, who was standing in a long queue outside the Madarsa Islamia booth in Aurangabad along with her sister-in-law Savita.

Surprisingly, devotees, who are observing fast as part of Chaiti Chhath celebrations, also made it to the polling booths. Even the hot weather did not deter them as “choosing the right candidate can ensure development”.

35-year-old Shanti Devi was in a hurry to return home after casting her vote. She said, “I have to perform Chhath rituals and offer the evening ‘arghya’ as well.”

Octogenarian Kunti Devi, who has been casting her vote since 1957, came to a polling booth with the help of her family members.

Better turnout of women voters is not unheard of in the state. Almost 1.86% more women had exercised their franchise in Bihar during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.