India, Nov. 8 -- Bihar's first phase of assembly elections on November 6 witnessed a striking electoral shift - women voters outnumbered men at the polling booths in nearly all the 18 districts, barring Patna that went to polls for 121 of the 243 assembly constituencies.

Samastipur (77.42%), Madhepura (77.04%) and Muzaffarpur (76.57%) recorded the three highest female turnout, followed by Saharsa and Gopalganj, both crossing 75%, said officials. At the other end of the spectrum, urban and semi-urban districts like Patna (57.8%) and Nalanda (60.93%) recorded comparatively lower participation by women.

Interestingly, Muzaffarpur (71.81%), Samastipur (71.74%), and Madhepura (69.5%) - districts where women outvoted men - also featured among...