PM Modi Urges Bihar Voters to Turn Out in Record Numbers for First Phase of Assembly Polls: ‘Pehle matadan, phir jalpan’

Delhi: As the first phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 got underway on Thursday morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to the people of Bihar to vote in large numbers and make the festival of democracy a grand success. Emphasising the importance of civic participation, the Prime Minister especially reached out to first-time voters and the youth, encouraging them to cast their votes with enthusiasm.

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister wrote,
“Today marks the first phase of Bihar’s festival of democracy. My appeal to all voters is to participate with full enthusiasm. A special greeting to all the young voters casting their votes for the first time. Remember — first voting, then refreshments! (Pehle matdaan, phir jalpan).”

Polling began at 7 a.m. across 121 constituencies in 18 districts, covering around 3.75 crore eligible voters who will decide the fate of 1,314 candidates. Voting will continue until 5 p.m., with security forces maintaining tight vigil to ensure smooth and peaceful polling across all regions.

Among the prominent leaders in this phase are Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, the INDIA bloc’s chief ministerial face, and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The contest is widely seen as a major test for both the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition Mahagathbandhan, as they vie for dominance in the politically crucial state.

The NDA, led by the BJP, includes the Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha. On the other hand, the Mahagathbandhan is spearheaded by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and includes the Congress, Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) led by Dipankar Bhattacharya, Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), and Mukesh Sahani’s Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP).

The second phase of polling, covering the remaining 122 constituencies, will be held on November 11, while the counting of votes is scheduled for November 14.