Bihar polls phase 1: Turnout 64.46 pc; ‘attack’ on DyCM’s convoy sparks row

Upendra Kushwaha predicts thumping NDA victory in Bihar

Rashtriya Lok Morcha chief Upendra Kushwaha on Thursday expressed confidence in a strong performance by the NDA during the ongoing Bihar Assembly elections. Speaking in Patna, he said, “People are voting for NDA in numbers more than our expectations. Going by the reports we have been receiving from across Bihar, NDA is going to register a thumping majority.”

Commenting on Tejashwi Yadav’s optimism about the Mahagathbandhan’s chances, Kushwaha remarked, “It is essential for him to say that right now because this is the first phase of elections. If he expresses disappointment from now itself, his workers will be demoralised.”

He added that the overall trends across the state were “clearly in favour of the NDA.”

Amit Shah predicts NDA’s big win in Bihar by November 14

Addressing an election rally in Ramnagar, Bettiah, Union Home Minister Amit Shah predicted a sweeping victory for the NDA in the upcoming Bihar Assembly election results. “Do you want to know what the results will be on 14th November? At 8 am on 14th Nov, voting will begin. By 11 am, the parties of Lalu and Rahul will be wiped out,” he declared.

Shah expressed confidence that the NDA, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, would return to power decisively. “NDA in the leadership of Modi ji and Nitish Kumar will be forming the government with a majority in Bihar,” he asserted.

Foreign delegates observe Bihar polls under ECI exchange program

As the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections took place on Thursday, 16 delegates from seven countries observed the polling arrangements made by the Election Commission of India (ECI). The international visitors, representing Indonesia, Colombia, the Philippines, France, Belgium, South Africa, and Thailand, are in India under the International Electors Visitor Programme of the ECI, reported ANI.

Officials said the visit aimed to showcase the commission’s election management systems and logistical preparedness. As part of the programme, a delegation from Thailand visited a polling booth in Patna, witnessing the voting process and the measures implemented to ensure smooth and transparent polling.

Yogi Adityanath accuses RJD-Congress of tarnishing Bihar’s image

At a public rally in Sitamarhi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath targeted the RJD and Congress, accusing them of damaging Bihar’s reputation and creating an “identity crisis” for its youth. “Today I have come among you to ask who are those people who created an identity crisis for the youth of Bihar? Who are those people who tarnished Bihar's identity?” he asked.

Yogi praised Bihar’s youth for their intelligence and contribution across the world, saying, “Wherever Bihar's youth went, they benefited society with their intelligence, intellect, talent, and identity.”

He accused the opposition of deceiving voters once again. “The RJD and Congress, who created an identity crisis for Bihar, are again trying to create a deception,” he said, asserting that voters would reject them. Concluding his speech, he expressed confidence in their defeat, declaring, “We are sure that Congress and RJD will not get a chance anymore.”

Determined voters cross water bodies to cast ballots in Darbhanga

In Darbhanga’s Kusheswar Sthan constituency, voters showed strong determination as they crossed water bodies to reach a polling booth set up at Mohim Bujurg Primary School. Despite the challenging terrain, residents made their way through the water to participate in the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, demonstrating their commitment to exercising their democratic right.

Kanhaiya Kumar urges Bihar voters to back real issues

Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar on Thursday urged Bihar voters to participate wholeheartedly in the ongoing first phase of Assembly elections, calling it “the festival of democracy.” He appealed to citizens to vote for real issues affecting their lives. “I appeal to all the people of Bihar to vote for their issues, for the future of their children, for jobs, food, house, education, health, roads, electricity, water and for their self-respect,” he said.

Kumar added that public anger against the government should be “shown a positive direction.”

Commenting on Rahul Gandhi’s allegations regarding SIR, Kumar said, “He has not only raised questions but also presented evidence for the same.” He noted that the Election Commission had refused to provide electronic data, saying, “Evidence has been presented to show EC that they are not working properly… A government that forms with ‘vote chori’ will not do anything properly.”

Kumar emphasised accountability and transparent elections.

PM Modi slams RJD’s ‘Jungle Raj’, hails Bihar voter turnout

Addressing a rally in Araria, Prime Minister Narendra Modi renewed his criticism of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), accusing it of presiding over years of stagnation in Bihar. “From 1990 to 2005, for 15 years, the government of Jungle Raj completely ruined Bihar,” Modi said. He questioned what progress had been made during that period, adding, “How many expressways, bridges, sports complexes, and tourist circuits were built? Zero-nil bate sannata.”

The Prime Minister said those who ruled during that time “looted in the name of government,” contrasting it with his administration’s focus on development. “Those who presided over the Jungle Raj used to call themselves your mai-baap… But Modi is different — for me, the people are my mai-baap,” he declared, as quoted by ANI.

Praising the high voter turnout, Modi said, “Long queues have formed at polling booths… Mothers, sisters, and daughters are casting their votes in large numbers.” He concluded, “Today, one voice echoes throughout Bihar — phir ek baar NDA sarkaar, phir ek baar sushasan ki sarkaar.”

BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad calls Bihar polls historic, slams Opposition

BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad and his wife Maya Shankar cast their votes in Patna on Thursday during the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters after voting, Prasad called the ongoing election “historic and decisive,” expressing confidence in a strong mandate for the BJP-led alliance.

He dismissed the prospects of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav becoming chief minister, saying, “The public is voting with great enthusiasm. They will continue to do so. He (Tejashwi Yadav) is just there for the sake of it. There is no chance of his becoming the CM. Bihar’s result will be historic and decisive.”

Responding to allegations by Rahul Gandhi about vote theft, Prasad criticised the Congress leader, saying, “It turned out to be a flop. All his claims turned out to be false. He is an expert in lying," reported ANI.

Chirag Paswan casts vote, says Mahagathbandhan losing Bihar polls

Union Minister and LJP (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan urged voters to fulfil their democratic duty during the ongoing Bihar Assembly elections. “I have fulfilled my responsibility by casting my vote, and I would like every person to do the same to elect a government of their choice,” he said after voting.

Taking aim at the opposition, Paswan accused the Mahagathbandhan of focusing on excuses instead of public outreach. “If Mahagathbandhan had put as much effort into connecting with the public as they did into finding excuses, then they would not have needed these excuses,” he remarked.

Confident of his party’s prospects, Paswan added, “Mahagathbandhan is losing the election. They make an issue of SIR, Rahul ji keeps holding press conferences every day. If so much wrong is happening, then why don’t they go to the court?”

He reiterated that real progress comes through action, not constant allegations.

PM Modi credits Nitish, highlights NDA’s growth push in Bihar

Addressing a rally in Araria, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the NDA government for steering Bihar toward rapid growth and stability. “In the NDA government, Nitish ji has worked tirelessly to pull Bihar out of jungle raj,” Modi said, highlighting the transformation the state has undergone in recent years.

He credited the “double-engine government” — the partnership between the central and state administrations — for accelerating progress since 2014. “After the double-engine government was formed in 2014, Bihar's development has gained new momentum,” the Prime Minister remarked.

Listing key projects, Modi said, “IIT has opened in Patna, IIM in Bodh Gaya, AIIMS in Patna, and work on AIIMS Darbhanga is progressing rapidly.” He also noted the expansion of educational opportunities, adding, “Now Bihar also has a National Law University, IIIT in Bhagalpur, and four central universities.”

He said these achievements reflect the NDA’s commitment to development-led governance.