PATNA, 6 November (H.S.): As the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections commenced on Thursday, Union Minister Giriraj Singh sparked controversy after casting his vote, demanding security checks for every individual wearing a burqa. The initial phase will decide the fate of candidates across 121 constituencies in 18 districts.

Speaking to the media at polling booth number 168 in Barhiya, within the Lakhisarai assembly constituency, Singh also asserted, If temples are not built in India, will they be built in Pakistan? He further targeted political rivals Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, and Rahul Gandhi.

Sanjay Saraogi, a Bihar government minister and the BJP candidate from the Darbhanga seat, dismissed the opposition's pledges after casting his vote. Those who are not destined to come to power (RJD) will make such false promises. The public understands these things and stands with Prime Minister Modi, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and the NDA, he stated.

Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister, Vijay Kumar Sinha, who is the BJP candidate from the Lakhisarai seat, described the election as a great festival of democracy. After exercising his franchise, he remarked, Just after the great festival of folk faith, Chhath, everyone in Bihar has the opportunity to participate in the great festival of democracy. The way we celebrate Chhath Puja with social harmony, everyone should participate in this democratic festival. I urge everyone to enhance the pride of Bihar; it is time to free the state from those who defame it.

Several other prominent figures also participated in the electoral process.Bihar minister and BJP candidate from Bankipur, Nitin Nabin, voted at Miller High School in Patna's Digha area.In the Mokama constituency, RJD candidate Veena Devi and former MP Surajbhan Singh offered prayers before heading to the polling station.

Singh urged voters to first vote, then have breakfast.BJP leader Bhikhubhai Dalsania cast his ballot in Patna.Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Ramnath Thakur, voted at a polling center in Karpurigram village in Samastipur.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar