Patna:
In Bihar, a state notorious for its lawlessness, it is one of the most positive developments during the Assembly elections. These elections saw an unprecedented number of women voters step out to vote.
They even outnumbered men in many areas.
"We have come out to vote because we feel absolutely safe and secure. We feel we can cast our vote with some degree of independence," said one of the female voters.
For years many women in Bihar did not vote, fearing violence. Also, rampant proxy voting by men on their cards meant their mandate remained largely silent.
This time 54 per cent of the state's 2.5 crore female voters have cast their votes - nearly 10% more than the last election. Women voters have outnumbered men in nine districts.
The jump is highest in the districts of West Champaran and Darbhanga.
"It is absolutely thrilling for us. It is happening primarily because we have ensured safety from the time a person steps out to vote till the time he or she returns home," said Chief Electoral Officer Sudhir Kumar Rakesh.
It's a sign of change in the state of a greater sense of security.