For the first time in 25 years, Bihar booths after 25 years were set up across 14 villages in Gaya, Rohtas, and Jamui districts. The return of polling stations marked a new dawn for democracy in these once Naxal-affected areas. When polling officers arrived, villagers from Sevati, Immaganj, Basketba, Patwas, Chodhi, and Fatehpur welcomed them with flowers and joy.
Old voters like Santan Paswan proudly said, “We are voting in our own village; now we fear no one.” Women covered their faces with sarees, waiting since dawn to vote, celebrating their freedom after decades. Local teacher Raghvhur Singh shared, “Voting in our village feels like real independence.”
In Jamui’s Chormara, 417 of 1,011 registered voters cast their votes, including the family of a former Naxalite. Even the wife of surrendered commander Arjun Koda voted for the first time.
The Bihar booths after 25 years brought smiles and hope to 5,300 voters in Rehal, Soli, and Korhas villages. With 62% turnout, people proved that democracy thrives again in Bihar’s heartlands.
