Bihar assembly elections: Women turn up in large numbers

PATNA: At polling stations across the city, women from all ages turned up in large numbers to exercise their franchise on Tuesday. At several polling booths, the voters arrived much before the polling began.
In Patna, elections were held in eight constituencies – Bankipur, Bakhtiyarpur, Danapur, Digha, Fatuha, Kumhrar, Maner, Patna Sahib and Phulwari (SC) – in the second phase on Tuesday.
Women voters made a beeline for polling booths amid Covid pandemic. Akira Singh (31), who exercised her franchise at a polling station in Lohia Nagar, said she cast her vote for the betterment of and progress of Bihar.
Hema Sinha (49), a resident of S K Puri, said, “We have seen development in Bihar in the last few years. There was a time when women would avoid leaving home after sunset. However, situation has changed now and women feel much safer in the state. This atmosphere should continue. I am hopeful that more development will take place in the state, especially in Patna, in the years to come.”
Shweta Prasad (37), a teacher, said mass unemployment is a major poll issue this time. Ankita Kumari (35), who works in a private firm, said the elected leader should ensure security and safe environment for women. “It is sad that there are very few women candidates in the poll fray. Proper representation of women in assembly is required in a state like Bihar,” she said.
Meanwhile, the district administration took special measures to ensure high turnout of women voters. Over 250 model booths and all-woman booths were set up in the district to woo the women voters.