PATNA, 6 November (H.S.): Bihar recorded a voter turnout of 13.13 percent by 9 AM on Thursday during the first phase of the state's Assembly elections. Polling, which began at 7 AM across 121 assembly constituencies in 18 districts, saw a steady stream of voters and prominent political leaders arriving at polling stations.

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah made a strong appeal to the electorate, particularly the youth, to vote in record numbers. Your every vote will prevent the return of 'Jungle Raj' in Bihar, maintain good governance, and pave the way for a developed and self-reliant Bihar, he stated.

In this election, teach a lesson to those who toy with the country's security by harboring infiltrators and Naxalites. Your vote will play an important role in restoring the glory of Bihar.

Confidence was high on both sides of the political aisle. After casting his vote in Patna, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh called the election a festival of democracy and asserted that the NDA government would be re-elected under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's leadership.

Meanwhile, RJD leader and the Mahagathbandhan's chief ministerial candidate, Tejashwi Yadav, voted with his wife, Rajshri Yadav, in Patna and confidently declared, A new government will be formed on November 14.

Several other key leaders also participated in the electoral exercise:Union Minister Giriraj Singh, after voting in Lakhisarai, sparked controversy by demanding checks for everyone wearing a burqa and stated, If temples are not built in India, will they be built in Pakistan?Bihar Minister and BJP candidate Sanjay Saraogi dismissed the RJD's campaign promises, expressing confidence that the public remains with the NDA.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha described the election as a great festival of democracy and urged citizens to participate to enhance Bihar's pride.

Other prominent figures who cast their ballots included Bihar Minister Nitin Nabin, RJD candidate Veena Devi, former MP Surajbhan Singh, BJP leader Bhikhubhai Dalsania, and Union Minister of State for Agriculture Ramnath Thakur.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar