Bihar Election 2025 Live Updates: People of Bihar have complete faith in Narendra-Nitish's track record, PM Modi says in Bhabua

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday launched a sharp attack on RJD chief Lalu Prasad's family, alleging that Tejashwi Yadav's 'favourite' chief minister, Tamil Nadu's MK Stalin, leads a party that 'insults Biharis by comparing them with bidis'.

"Someone asked Lalu's son - who is his favourite CM? He said DMK's (MK) Stalin, who is Tamil Nadu's CM. Do you know who he is? I will give his (Stalin's) introduction ... his party compares Biharis with 'Bidis'. His party insults Biharis and disgraces them. Tejashwi's favourite is this CM," Shah claimed at a Bhagalpur rally.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday expressed confidence over the victory in the Bihar assembly elections, saying that the ruling NDA is likely to secure more than 160 seats.

"Public response makes us believe we will form a government, and we could get two-thirds majority. Nitish Kumar will be the chief minister, and the election is being contested under his leadership," Singh told Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi in an exclusive interview.

The Congress on Friday accused the NDA government in Bihar of handing out "empty rhetoric" to the people of Aurangabad and Bhabua. PM Modi had made a 'barrage of promises" for the development of the region but nothing happened, it said.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said true to form, "he will once again try to mislead voters with empty promises" but it's essential to remind him of his old promises and speeches. "In the October 2015 assembly election rallies, the PM had said in Bhabua that the NDA will bring about industrial development and establish small industries for employment, as well as provide modern computer education in Bihar's schools. Neither industries arrived, nor did education improved," he said.

These Congress leaders call the worship of Chhathi maiya a drama. This is an insult to Chhathi Maiya. These people should be punished. Now is your chance to punish them with your one vote on November 11, says PM Modi

PM Modi alleged that the Congress has belittled sons of Bihar including Jagjivan Ram and Sitaram Kesri. "These people don't respect anyone except their own family. Congress ended Baba Saheb Ambedkar's political career because his stature was higher than that of the Congress royal family. The party did not respect Babu Jagjivan Ram ji and did the same with Sitaram Kesri ji. Insulting veteran leaders of Bihar has been the real game of politics of the royal family," says PM Modi

The RJD and Congress started their campaigns on a high note, but as the elections progressed, their (inflated) confidence began to deflate. After after the first phase of voting, it's has completely collapsed. Now, even their supporters are heard saying 'phir ek baar, NDA sarkaar': PM Modi

Taking a dig at Mahagathbandhan CM face Tejashwi Yadav, PM Modi said that the RJD leader is clueless about the promises he wishes to fulfil for Bihar. "Crown prince of jungle raj (Tejashwi) is unable to explain how he would fulfil his promises. These people don't respect anyone except their own family," he said.

PM Modi thanked the women voters of Bihar for showering their blessings upon the NDA. "I have before me the power of women whose blessings have always been upon all of us, upon the NDA. I am grateful to the women's power of Bihar. In the first phase of elections, there has been a tremendous turnout for the NDA candidates ... I have come to seek your support, your cooperation, and your blessings," he said.

PM Modi said that the opposition's efforts to mislead the youth of Bihar have failed drastically. "Several attempts were made to mislead the youth of Bihar, but all efforts of the opposition have failed. This is due to the conscious youth of Bihar. They have seen how Congress and RJD only practice the politics of insult and abuse while BJP stands for development," he said.

PM Modi on Friday said that the people of Bihar have complete faith in the track record of Narendra and Nitish. "The high turnout in Phase 1 shows that Bihar wants change. They know that BJP stands for development and have complete faith in Narendra and Nitish's track record," he said addressing a rally in Bihar's Bhabua.

Union Minister Amit Shah on Friday reminded the people of Bhagalpur about the 1989 riots asked them to vote for BJP and witness development. He said no one can prevent riots in Bhagalpur if RJD wins Bihar elections.

"I just witnessed a surprising scene where Lalu ji is sitting with his son and he is giving a ticket to Shahbuddin's son. Lalu's son is seen raising the slogan of 'Shahbuddin amar rahe'. People of Bhagalpur, have you forgotten the riots? Do you want that time to come again? Shahbuddin's son, Osama, is contesting in this election. If Osama wins, there will be riots again in Bhagalpur. If BJP wins, you will see development in Bhagalpur," he said. Shah was addressing an election rally in Bihar's Bhagalpur.

Rajeev Shukla, senior Congress leader, claimed on Friday the high voter turnout in Bihar assembly polls was a clear indication that the ruling NDA was on its way out. Shukla also asserted that "over a dozen ministers, including both deputy CMs" were going to lose their seats.

"It has always been seen that a high voter turnout indicates that people have voted for a change. The same is happening in Bihar," the former union minister said.

"We have some ground reports that suggest a drubbing for the ruling NDA. Seats contested by 15 ministers went to polls yesterday, and 12 of them are losing. Both deputy CMs are also staring at a defeat," he claimed.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday alleged that BJP leaders, who had exercised their franchise in Delhi, also cast votes in the first phase of the Bihar assembly polls.

Gandhi, addressing an election rally in Banka, also asserted that the Congress produced evidence of “vote chori” (vote theft) in the Haryana polls, and the Election Commission cannot deny the charges.

The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha had on Wednesday alleged that the Haryana assembly polls last year were "stolen", citing electoral list data to claim that 25 lakh entries were fake and the Election Commission colluded with the BJP to ensure the party's victory.

“I came to know yesterday that BJP leaders who cast votes in Delhi, also voted in the first phase of Bihar polls (on Thursday),” the former Congress president said.

(With PTI inputs)

RJD candidate from Patna’s Maner assembly seat, Bhai Virendra, has been booked for allegedly threatening security personnel, engaged in the polling duty, with dire consequences, police told PTI on Friday.

The RJD leader was accused of misbehaving with a security personnel when he was assisting an elderly woman to find her polling booth on Thursday, Danapur-2 SDPO Amrendra Kumar Jha said.

“RJD candidate from the Maner assembly seat, Bhai Virendra, allegedly misbehaved with the security personnel. He also threatened him with dire consequences," the SDPO said.

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor on Friday stated that migrant workers of Bihar are the "X factor" in the ongoing assembly elections, claiming that they travelled from across the country to exercise their franchise and have come out in large numbers to "vote for badlao (change)".

Kishor predicted that on the day of counting of votes, November 14, "history will be made" as the people's vote for change will be seen in the results.

"The migrant workers, who have stayed back after Chhath, have made their people vote in big numbers too, which has surprised everyone. People who were sitting here giving Rs 10,000 to women. In this election, women are definitely included, but the migrant workers have become the X factor. They are having their friends, family vote," Kishor told reporters.

"It is a pro-incumbent voting and we have witnessed an unprecedented turnout," said union minister and Bihar BJP election in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan in conversation with PTI. "We have worked for Bihar’s development for 20 years and at the Centre for 11 years. The voting trend, especially among women, is a record in itself. They have voted for development, good governance, and against ‘jungle raj’. This will go down in history as an example of how Bihar voted this time," he said.

He also backed union home minister Amit Shah's prediction that NDA would get over 160 seats in the Bihar elections. "As far as the CM face is concerned, there is no vacancy; that post has been filled for the last 20 years," he said.

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor, reacting to the biggest turnout in Phase 1 of Bihar Assembly election, said it shows that 60% of the people want change, seeing the apathy Bihar has faced over the last 25–30 years. "It is the largest voting percentage after Independence," he said.

"Migrant labourers who returned home and voted this time, along with their families, have voted for change. Women are the X-factor, but migrants are also a major factor. Jan Suraaj will write history on November 14," he added.

Bihar Election: Amit Shah to hold roadshow in Purnea today

After the successful completion of phase 1 of Bihar Assembly polls, union home minister Amit Shah will hold a roadshow later in the evening today in Bihar's Purnea district. Here's a look at his public programmes in Bihar today --

Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday expressed confidence of NDA victory in Bihar polls, stating that the RJD and Congress will "be wiped out" when the results are declared on November 14.

Addressing a rally in Madhubani, he alleged that RJD leaders Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi "insulted" Mithila and its heritage during their 15-year rule.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi "restored the pride" of the region by recognising "Mata Sita, maanch, makhana, and Madhubani paintings".

Shah said Bihar's famed makhana farmers have found new markets worldwide through the establishment of the Makhana Board. "Lalu Yadav and Rabri Devi ruled for 15 years, but they insulted both Madhubani and Mithila. PM Narendra Modi has honoured Mata Sita, Maanch, Makhana, and Madhubani painting," he said.

(ANI inputs)

Claiming that there were reports from Bihar strengthening the evidence of "vote chori", Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that the main culprits in this "murder of democracy" are the chief election commissioner and the two election commissioners who are committing the "biggest treachery against the Constitution".

Gandhi also alleged that many BJP leaders and workers who voted in elections in other states are also voting in Bihar.

In a post in Hindi on X, Gandhi said, "My young and Gen Z friends of India, yesterday, I demonstrated with evidence how the government in Haryana was stolen through vote chori, and the public opinion of an entire state was taken away." "A few days ago, I also conducted a 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar to raise awareness about the widespread manipulation of voter lists through SIR. Today, news and videos coming from every corner of Bihar are further strengthening the evidence of vote chori," he said.

Lakhs of voters have already been removed from the voter list, and now people are being prevented from voting at polling stations, he claimed.

"Remember, a government formed through vote theft never works in the interests of youth, Gen Z, and the general public," the former Congress president said.

"...the main culprits in this murder of your democracy are: Gyanesh Kumar, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. These are the top officials of the Election Commission, yet they are the ones committing the biggest treachery against the Constitution and democracy," Gandhi alleged.

Those who were given the responsibility to protect the right to vote have become partners in "stealing your future", Gandhi said in his message to the people and the Gen Z.

The Election Commission on Thursday said that the first phase of the Bihar Assembly polls concluded peacefully in a festive mood "with the highest ever voter turnout of 64.66% in the history of Bihar".

A statement by the Election Commission said that chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar along with ECs Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi kept a close watch on the polling through live-webcasting which has been ensured in 100 per cent of the polling stations for the first time in Bihar. "Mock polls were completed before 7 am today in the presence of over 67,902 polling agents appointed by 1,314 contesting candidates and polling began peacefully at all 45,341 polling stations simultaneously," the statement issued on Thursday said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has gained a massive lead in the first phase of the assembly polls and there was a wave in its favour in the second phase.

"In the first phase of voting in the Bihar Assembly elections, the NDA has gained a massive lead. Along with this, its wave is visible everywhere in the second phase as well. Amid this enthusiasm of the public and the masses, tomorrow afternoon around 1:45 PM, I will have the good fortune to communicate with my family members in Aurangabad, and around 3:30 PM in Bhabua," he said in a post on X on Thursday.

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor said the high voter turnout in the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections indicates that "change is coming to Bihar".

"The highest polling in the last 30 years indicates that change is coming to Bihar. A new system is going to be established on the 14th (November)," he told ANI.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar stated that the state witnessed the highest voter turnout since 1951.

"Bihar has shown the way to the nation. SIR with zero appeals and the highest voter turnout since 1951. Purest electoral rolls and enthusiastic participation of electors. Transparent and dedicated election machinery. Democracy wins. It has been an amazing journey for ECI," CEC Kumar said.

On Thursday (November 6), the first phase of the assembly elections in Bihar concluded peacefully with a record voter turnout of 64.66 per cent, highest-ever in the state's history.

The voting was held on 121 seats spread across 18 districts and a total of 3.75 crore voters were eligible to exercise their franchise in the first phase polls. The second phase of assembly polls will be held on November 11 and the votes will be counted on November 14.