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Nitish Kumar's Voting Plea: Why Bihar's First Phase Matters

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has made a passionate appeal to voters ahead of the first phase of state elections. He emphasized that voting is both a right and democratic responsibility for every citizen. The polling covers 121 constituencies with extensive security measures in place across all districts. Voters are encouraged to set an example by casting their ballots and inspiring others to participate in this democratic process.

Key Points: CM Nitish Kumar Urges Bihar Voters to Cast Ballots

  • First phase covers 121 Assembly constituencies across 18 Bihar districts
  • Over 3.75 crore voters including 758 third gender electors participating
  • Security tightened with 15+ battalions deployed at sensitive polling booths
  • Special arrangements include 926 women-managed and 107 PwD-managed stations
2 min read

'Vote, inspire others as well': CM Nitish Kumar to Bihar voters

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar calls voting a democratic duty as first phase elections begin across 121 constituencies with 3.75 crore voters deciding fate of 1,314 candidates.

"In democracy, voting is not only our right but also our duty. Vote and inspire others to vote as well. Vote first, then refreshments! - CM Nitish Kumar"

Patna, Nov 6

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, on Thursday, urged citizens to actively participate in the first phase of the state Assembly elections, emphasising that voting is not only a right but also a democratic duty.

He called on voters to set an example by exercising their franchise and encouraging others to do the same, while reminding them to follow the age-old mantra: "first vote, then refreshments".

Posting on X, CM Nitish Kumar wrote: "In democracy, voting is not only our right but also our duty. Today, voting for the first phase of the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections is taking place - all voters are urged to exercise their voting rights. Vote and inspire others to vote as well. Vote first, then refreshments!"

Polling for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections began at 7 a.m. on Thursday across 18 districts, covering 121 Assembly constituencies. A total of 1,314 candidates, including 1,192 men and 122 women, are contesting in this phase.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), 3,75,13,302 electors, including 1,98,35,325 men, 1,76,77,219 women, and 758 third gender voters, will decide the outcome.

Voting is taking place across 45,341 polling stations, with 36,733 in rural areas and 8,608 in urban areas. Among these, 320 model stations, 926 women-managed, and 107 PwD-managed booths have been set up. All polling stations are under webcasting surveillance to ensure transparency. While general polling will continue until 6 p.m., in six Naxal-affected constituencies, voting will conclude at 5 p.m.

Polling is underway in Khagaria, Munger, Lakhisarai, Sheikhpura, Nalanda, Patna, Bhojpur, Madhepura, Saharsa, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Samastipur, Begusarai, and Buxar.

Security has been tightened across all districts, with police and paramilitary forces deployed extensively, including special patrols at sensitive and hyper-sensitive booths and over 15 battalions of security forces ensuring smooth conduct.

The Patna district administration said security personnel have been stationed at every booth to prevent any disturbance or spread of rumours.

Patna alone has 5,677 polling stations, including 541 women-only stations, 49 model polling stations, 14 PwD-friendly polling stations and three youth-themed booths.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see the emphasis on democratic duty. However, I hope the focus remains on development issues rather than just voter turnout numbers. Bihar needs sustainable growth, not just high polling percentages.
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Ananya R
The webcasting surveillance and special arrangements for women and PwD voters show how far our election process has come. Jai Hind! 🙏 My entire family voted today in Muzaffarpur.
V
Vikram M
Security arrangements seem robust, especially in Naxal-affected areas. This ensures every citizen can vote without fear. Democracy at work! 💪
S
Sarah B
As someone who has observed elections in multiple countries, I must say India's election machinery is truly impressive. The scale and organization for 3.75 crore voters is remarkable!
K
Kavya N
Love the "vote and inspire others" message! Already convinced 3 of my neighbors who were hesitant to vote. Every voice matters in shaping Bihar's future. 🗳️
M
Michael C
The gender distribution of candidates could be better - only 122 women out of 1314 candidates. Hope to see more women representation in future elections.

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