The Mandal wave catapulted a new generation of leaders -- Lalu Prasad Yadav, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Mayawati, Ram Vilas Paswan, Sharad Yadav, and Nitish Kumar -- to the forefront of Indian politics.
"The fight between the RJD and Congress has reached such a level that now their deputy CM candidate is speaking up against 'jungle raj'," he said.
In response to the RJD's post on X, the CEO's office clarified that voting across the state was proceeding "smoothly" and that the Election Commission of India was "ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process"
Following his Araria address, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold another rally in Bhagalpur later in the day.
A total of 27.65 per cent of 3.75 crore voters exercised their franchise till 11 am in the first phase of the Bihar assembly elections on Thursday, an official said.
Voting in this phase may decide whether the NDA or Mahagathbandhan gains early momentum. Close 2020 margins, new alliances and high-profile battles make this phase crucial.
A total of 13.13 per cent of 3.75 crore voters exercised their franchise in the first two hours of polling till 9 am, an official said.
A voter turnout of 13.13 per cent was recorded till 9 am in the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, according to the Election Commission of India.
After casting his vote, Samrat Choudhary said the development work carried out under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar should continue and affirmed that Kumar will remain the leader of the alliance.
PM Modi will address a public meeting in Forbesganj of Araria district at around 11.30 am, while the second public meeting will be held in Bhagalpur at around 1.30 pm.
My best wishes to both my sons. Tej Pratap is contesting on his own. I am their mother. Good luck to both of them, says Rabri Devi.
Maithili Thakur expressed confidence in doing well in the polls, and said that she will make sure voters face no problems to exercise their right.
Speaking to ANI, the singer-turned-politician highlighted that the people of Bihar are aware of the work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
The RJD chief Lalu Yadav assured that the election would bring a change in Bihar, while Tejashwi Yadav appealed to the voters to bring change in Bihar.
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The BJP leader said that the power to bring change lies with the people, calling it their chance to ‘do Dhulaai of politicians’.
In the last 2020 Assembly election, 52 seats saw winners emerge with margins smaller than 5,000 votes. The tight races were spread across party lines.
Around 3.75 crore voters are set to determine the fate of 1,314 candidates in this phase, which features prominent faces including INDIA bloc’s chief ministerial nominee Tejashwi Yadav and BJP’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.
Singh said that in India, the rules of Election Commission applies and that India is a secular country.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi also extended congratulations to the young voters who are going to cast their vote for the first time, urging them to prioritise voting before all chores
Bihar Assembly Election 2025: Bihar is witnessing a two way clash between the NDA and the opposition's Mahagathbandhan
Sanjay Singh has extended his support to NDA nominee Kumar Pranay, the BJP candidate from Munger Assembly seat. He expressed confidence that the NDA would win the polls with a huge margin.
Several high-profile constituencies will go to polls in the first phase of the Bihar election. In Tarapur (Munger), Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary (BJP) faces RJD’s Arun Kumar. Meanwhile, Raghopur, which is a traditional RJD bastion, will witness Tejashwi defending his seat against BJP’s Satish Kumar Yadav and Jan Suraaj’s Chanchal Singh.
The Election Commission had earlier sought an explanation from Singh after a clip of his speech went viral, in which he was allegedly heard saying, "There are a few leaders, don't let them step out of their homes on polling day. Keep them inside."
The deceased were identified as Naveen Kushwaha, his wife Mala Devi and daughter Tanu Priya, Purnea Sadar Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Jyoti Shankar said.