PATNA, 6 November (H.S.): Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar cast his ballot on Thursday in the first phase of the state assembly elections at the Manju Sinha Project Girls' Higher Secondary School in Bakhtiarpur, located in his home district of Nalanda.

Democracy is our duty, not just our right, he said after voting. The first phase of polling in Bihar is happening today. I urge all voters to exercise their franchise. Vote, and inspire others to do the same. First vote, then have breakfast.

Meanwhile, Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister and BJP candidate from Tarapur, Samrat Chaudhary, cast his vote in Munger. After voting, Chaudhary urged the electorate to turn out in large numbers and ensure Bihar's progress.

He also expressed confidence that the ruling NDA government would be re-elected, stating, Nitish Kumar ji is our 'Mukhia' (chief) and will continue to be.

Polling for the first phase of the Bihar elections is currently underway. Voting commenced at 7 a.m. for 121 seats, and a voter turnout of 13.13% was recorded as of 9 a.m. Saharsa saw the highest turnout at 15.27%, followed by Begusarai with 14.6% and Muzaffarpur with 14.38%.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar