Arun Lata Sharma
Sitamarhi : Excitement was missing among Sub-Divisional and Block level voters at polling booths in the five assembly constituencies (ACs) in Sitamarhi District in North Bihar that went to polls in the third and final phase of Bihar Assembly elections on November 7, 2020, the tall promises made by the leaders and candidates of different political parties during electioneering notwithstanding. The mood was, however, festive in rural areas. Voters specially females were seen heading to polling booths right from early hours.
Riga, Bathanaha, Parihar, Sursand, and Bajpatti ACs went to polls on November 7, 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic failed to dampen the spirit of voters. The district administration had elaborate arrangements at each booth to maintain COVID-19 protocol. The booth, their surroundings, and roads were sanitized. Masks, thermal scanners, sanitisers and gloves were available at almost all booths. The security personnel made sure that no voter entered the polling booth without wearing proper masks. The female voters were seen covering their faces and mouth with stoles and Dupattas. Villagers were also seen assisting each other in this regard.
Ratneshwar Prasad Singh, 65, of village Singrahia under Bathanaha assembly segment, said he appreciates white and orange towels than masks. They are multipurpose in use than masks.
Navin, a Thela vendor of Bairgania block headquarters, had brought his elderly mother and father on Thela to the polling booth following Covid guidelines. At Chotahi village booth number 300 in Riga constituency, a physically challenged voter Sarita Devi didn’t face any challenge in casting vote. The polling party members were very helpful, Sarita said.
At village Malahi booth, Upendra Singh,a Bihar government pensioner, said he has cast his vote for a change in state politics. Though his family members were not comfortable with his comments. In Sursand AC, sitting RJD MLA Sayyad Abu Dozana is pitted against JD(U) nominee Dilip Rai, MLC.
A share market investor from Sonbarsa block town under Parihar constituency Sanjay Kumar said that our future government should be progressive and of the ability to think on major global issues. Only then economic condition of the state could improve, he added. Border trade with our neighbour Nepal must improve fast, he said. The national and international awards winner Singwahini Panchayat Mukhia Ritu Kumar alias Ritu Jaiswal is trying her luck on RJD ticket from this constituency
The village Boha-Bashudev voter Chandra Bhushan Singh under Bajpatti assembly segment said, ” We are annoyed with the NDA but even then once again opted for it.” Former minister and sitting JD(U) MLA Dr Ranju Geeta is once again in fray from here.