Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 6: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday called upon the people of Bihar to use their vote as an instrument of transformation, describing the ongoing Assembly elections as a historic opportunity to end two decades of “betrayal” by what he termed as “opportunistic rulers.”
Taking to social media platform X, Kharge wrote, “The first phase of polling has begun in Bihar — the land where democracy was born. I urge every voter to come out in large numbers and shape a new direction for the state after 20 years.”
The Congress chief underlined the importance of building a Bihar that offers its youth secure livelihoods and frees them from the hardships of unemployment and migration. “We must create a Bihar where young people can dream, work, and prosper without leaving their homeland,” he said.
Emphasizing inclusive progress, Kharge called for a renewed commitment to social justice and equality. “Every section of society — Dalits, Mahadalits, tribals, backward and most backward classes, the economically weak, and minorities — deserves equal rights. Together, we can redefine social justice and strengthen Bihar’s role in the nation’s growth,” he asserted.
In a sharp criticism of the ruling parties, Kharge accused them of disguising corruption, misrule, and “jungle raj” as development. “The aware citizens of Bihar now have a golden chance to teach a lesson to those who have misled them for the last two decades. Do not let this opportunity slip by,” he urged.
Addressing first-time voters, the Congress leader made a special appeal for enthusiastic participation. “To the youth voting for the first time — this is your moment to drive change. Vote, and encourage your friends and families to do the same. Jai Hind, Jai Bihar,” Kharge said.
Meanwhile, polling for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections began at 7 a.m. on Thursday across 18 districts. Voting is being held in 121 constituencies, where 1,314 candidates — including 1,192 men and 122 women — are contesting.
According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), 3.75 crore electors — comprising 1.98 crore men, 1.76 crore women, and 758 third-gender voters — will decide the fate of the candidates.
The state has set up 45,341 polling stations, of which 36,733 are in rural areas and 8,608 in urban regions. Among these, 320 are model booths, 926 are managed entirely by women, and 107 are overseen by persons with disabilities. Webcasting facilities are available at all polling stations.
Voting will continue until 6 p.m. at general booths, except for six constituencies in Naxal-affected areas where polling will close at 5 p.m.
Elections are being conducted in districts including Khagaria, Munger, Lakhisarai, Sheikhpura, Nalanda, Patna, Bhojpur, Madhepura, Saharsa, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Samastipur, Begusarai, and Buxar.
To ensure smooth polling, extensive security measures have been implemented, with police and paramilitary forces stationed across all districts. Over 15 battalions have been deployed, with additional patrols in sensitive and high-risk areas.