PURNEA, Nov. 13 -- The sharp increase in voters' turnout has left psephologists confused. Political parties on the other hand, have started claiming their victory. Against 2020 assembly elections over ten lakh more voters exercised their franchise in four districts of Seemanchal where voting took place in the second phase on Tuesday. Over 55, 56, 492 voters exercised their franchise in 24 assembly constituencies in Seemanchal spreading in four districts- Purnea, Katihar, Araria and Kishanganj this election. Last assembly elections (in 2020), 44, 48, 530 voters had exercised their franchise in Seemanchal. In Katihar, 16, 036, 32 electorates participated in voting against 13, 04, 188 voters' participation in the 2020 Bihar election. In Araria, 13, 74, 962 voters cast their votes against 11, 33, 915 in 2020. Similarly in Kishanganj this time 9, 43, 181 voters exercised their franchise against 7, 05, 296 in 2020 and in Purnea this election 16, 036, 32 voters went to polling booths and cast their votes against 13, 041, 88 in 2020. The heavy turnout which is also said to be unexpected has increased the heart beats of both ruling and opposition alliances. "As there was no anti-incumbency factor anywhere, the voters cast their votes for incumbent government," BJP Purnea district president Manoj Kumar Singh said declaring it a 'people's reward' for the NDA government. On the other hand, senior Congress party leader B K Thakur said, "Bumper voting indicates bad omen for the ruling party and hence we can say we are going to win the election." RJD leaders expressed hope for a comfortable win in the assembly election. "As women voters' turnout was higher than male voters, it can't be said that higher turnout is bad omen for the ruling alliance," political analyst Prof NK Srivasatava said adding "This election will be remembered for many reasons such as peaceful and highest turnout and women's strong participation. Besides there was neither anti-incumbency nor pro-incumbency and people exercised their franchise without any bias." He said, "There are still some surprises in the store which will come out only after counting of votes on Friday." Seemanchal witnessed three to four-cornered contests on several seats and hence any prediction could be disastrous. "Please wait for counting and don't take these exit- polls seriously," Prof Srivasatava said. Besides NDA and GA, AIMIM and Jan Suraaj were also in the fray to try their luck. Election in Seemanchal was conducted on November 11 while counting of votes is scheduled on November 14 to decide the fate of contesting candidates....