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

Rabri Devi urges Bihar voters to turn out, blesses both sons

As polling began for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections on Thursday, former Chief Minister and RJD leader Rabri Devi urged voters to come out in large numbers. After casting her vote, she appealed to citizens to exercise their democratic right, saying, “I appeal to the people of Bihar to step out and vote and don’t forget your right to vote.”

Extending her wishes to her sons contesting from different parties, she said, “My best wishes to both my sons. Tej Pratap is contesting on his own. I am their mother. Good luck to both of them," reported ANI.

Meanwhile, her daughter and MP Misa Bharti expressed confidence in an RJD victory, alleging that “the NDA has failed to protect the poor” and declaring that “Tejashwi Yadav will become the Chief Minister this time.”

Voting across 121 constituencies in 18 districts began at 7 a.m., involving over 3.75 crore voters, marking a crucial phase in Bihar’s high-stakes electoral battle.

Priyanka Gandhi urges Bihar voters to shape the State’s future

As the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections began on Thursday, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called on voters to exercise their democratic right responsibly and in large numbers. In a post on X, the Congress general secretary appealed to the people to “vote for jobs, education, health, a bright future for Bihar, and to protect your democracy, the Constitution, and your right to vote.”

Addressing the electorate directly, she wrote, “My dear brothers, sisters, mothers, and youth of Bihar! Today is the day to decide your future with your own hands. Come out in large numbers and participate in this grand festival of democracy.”

Polling for 121 assembly constituencies began at 7 a.m. under heavy security and will continue till 5 p.m. Around 3.75 crore voters are set to decide the fate of 1,314 candidates, including key leaders Tejashwi Yadav and Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary.

(With agency inputs)

Tejashwi Yadav urges Bihar voters to choose change, hope

RJD leader and Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav urged the people of Bihar to turn out in large numbers as the first phase of polling got underway. Speaking after casting his vote, he appealed to voters to think about “their present and future” while exercising their franchise.

“I appeal to the people of Bihar to cast their votes in large numbers, keeping in mind their present and future,” Yadav said, stressing that citizens should “vote for employment, education, and good healthcare.”

Expressing confidence in his alliance’s prospects, the RJD leader declared, “We are going to win, Bihar is going to win,” adding that “a new government will be formed on 14th November.” His remarks reflected optimism within the Mahagathbandhan camp as it seeks to unseat the ruling NDA and project a vision centred on youth aspirations and public welfare.

PM Modi hails Bihar’s voter enthusiasm, predicts NDA majority

As the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections unfolded, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the strong voter turnout, calling it “the grand festival of democracy.” He said the “amazing enthusiasm among the people” reflected a clear wave of support for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), predicting an “unprecedented majority” for the coalition in the polls.

Sharing his schedule for the day, the Prime Minister said he looked forward to meeting voters and supporters during his campaign stops. “In this energetic atmosphere, I am eager to receive the blessings of my family members at the public meetings in Forbesganj, Araria around 11:30 AM and in Bhagalpur around 1:30 PM,” he wrote.

Modi’s statement, celebrating the voter spirit and hinting at confidence in the NDA’s prospects, set the tone for a charged day of campaigning and political activity across Bihar.

Amit Shah urges Bihar voters to turn out in record numbers

Union Home Minister Amit Shah appealed to the people of Bihar, especially the youth, to participate enthusiastically in the first phase of the Assembly elections. In a message to voters, he urged them to “vote in record numbers,” calling their participation vital to “prevent the return of jungle raj in Bihar” and to uphold good governance.

Shah said every vote would contribute to building “a developed, self-reliant Bihar” that stands for stability and progress. He also urged citizens to “teach a lesson” to those who, in his words, “toy with the country’s security by providing protection to infiltrators and Naxalites.”

Emphasising the transformative power of the ballot, the Home Minister said each vote would help “restore Bihar’s pride,” while ensuring “modern education, welfare for the poor, and employment opportunities for the youth,” reflecting the government’s focus on inclusive growth and security.

Lalu Prasad predicts change after casting his vote in Patna

After casting his vote in Patna for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, former Chief Minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav expressed confidence in change, declaring that “change will happen.”

EC urges Bihar voters to celebrate democracy, vote in large numbers

As the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections began, the Election Commission of India (ECI) appealed to citizens to participate actively in what it called the “festival of democracy.” The polling covers multiple constituencies across the state, with thousands of security personnel deployed to ensure a peaceful and fair voting process.

The ECI emphasised that voting is both a right and a civic duty, urging people—especially first-time voters—to come out in large numbers and strengthen democratic values. Special arrangements were made to assist senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and women voters to encourage inclusivity in the electoral process.

Political leaders from major parties, including the NDA and Mahagathbandhan, cast their votes early, calling for high voter participation. The Commission reiterated its commitment to maintaining transparency and neutrality throughout the election process, ensuring that every vote counts in shaping Bihar’s democratic future.

Rabri Devi urges voters to turn out in large numbers, wishes sons good luck

Former CM and RJD leader Rabri Devi, after casting her vote, extended her best wishes to both her sons, noting that Tej Pratap is contesting independently. She urged the people of Bihar to exercise their democratic right and turn out in large numbers to vote.

Tejashwi urges voters: Bring change, build a new Bihar

“Bring change, build a new Bihar, and elect a new government,” urged RJD leader and Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav, displaying his inked finger after casting his vote in the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections at a Patna polling booth.

Bihar polls 2025: Grand Alliance joint campaign takes off, unease remains

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi finally joined RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and VIP’s Mukesh Sahani in Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga, on Wednesday (October 29), for the Grand Alliance’s first joint campaign.

The poll rhetoric at the two joint rallies was on predictable lines. In addition to the accusations of ‘vote chori’ – the new constant in his speeches – Rahul largely reiterated his attacks at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s alleged patronage to “Adani and Ambani”; tweaking it suitably for a Bihari audience by asserting that the government had land to give away to the billionaire businessmen at a pittance but not for building educational and employment infrastructure for the state’s youth nor money to alleviate the financial distress of farmers.

Read the full story here: Bihar polls 2025: Grand Alliance joint campaign takes off, unease remains