Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday urged the people of Bihar to set a new record in voter turnout as polling got underway for the second and final phase of the state’s Assembly elections.
Taking to X, the Prime Minister appealed especially to first-time voters to come out in large numbers and encourage others to participate in the democratic process.
“Today is the second and final phase of voting in the Bihar Assembly elections. My request to all voters is that they participate actively and create a new record for voting. I have a special appeal to the young companions of the state voting for the first time, not only to cast their vote but also to inspire others to do the same,” PM Modi said.
About 3.7 crore voters will decide the fate of 1,302 candidates across 122 constituencies today.
The phase is particularly significant as it will determine the fate of 12 ministers from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Cabinet. From the JD(U), key contenders include Vijendra Yadav (Supaul), Lesi Singh (Dhamdaha), Jayant Kushwaha (Amarpur), Sumit Singh (Chakai), Mohammad Jama Khan (Chainpur) and Sheela Mandal (Phoolparas).
Representing the BJP, ministers Prem Kumar (Gaya), Renu Devi (Bettiah), Vijay Kumar Mandal (Sikati), Nitish Mishra (Jhanjharpur), Neeraj Bablu (Chhatapur) and Krishnanandan Paswan (Harsiddhi) are also in the fray.
Other key constituencies going to the polls include Sasaram, Imamganj, Mohania, Bihpur, Gopalpur, Pirpainti, Bhagalpur, Sultanganj, and Nathnagar.
The first phase witnessed a record 65.08 percent voter turnout, with parties across the spectrum—including Jan Suraaj—interpreting the high participation as a positive sign for their prospects.
The results of the Bihar Assembly elections will be declared on November 14.
