Bihar Assembly Elections 2020: The counting of votes will be held on November 10.
Over 53 per cent voter turnout has been recorded till 6 PM in the first phase of Bihar assembly polls on Wednesday, the Election Commission said in its provisional data.
A total of 71 assembly segments of the state's 243 constituencies are voting in the first phase in which nearly 2.15 crore voters will decide the electoral fate of over 1,000 candidates.
Nitish Kumar's challenger is RJD's Tejashwi Yadav, whose promise of 10 lakh jobs has proved to be a huge draw in the backdrop of the lockdown and widespread unemployment. The third factor in this election is Chirag Paswan, the son of the late Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan, whose rebellion against Nitish Kumar is believed by many to be backed by the BJP.
Polling began in seventy-one assembly constituencies of Bihar in the first phase of three-phase elections amid tight security and COVID-19 guidelines in place. Guidelines have been issued by the Commission for the safe conduct of the electoral exercise in the midst of the raging COVID-19 pandemic. A voter turnout of 18.3 per cent was recorded till 11:30 am.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asked people in Bihar to go out in large numbers and vote in the first phase of the election to the state assembly, asking voters to maintain coronavirus safety guidelines and wear a mask as they step out to vote. The Bihar election, the first assembly election since the coronavirus outbreak, is being held in the shadow of the pandemic.
More than two crores voters in Bihar will decide the fate of 1,066 candidates today across 71 assembly segments in the first phase of elections.
The second and third phase of the elections in the state will be held on November 3 and 7. The counting of votes will be held on November 10.
Here are the Highlights on Bihar Election 2020 Phase 1 Voting:
Bihar Election Amid Pandemic Leap Of Faith: Poll Body Chief Sunil AroraChief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora on Wednesday said the Election Commission was "discouraged" from holding the Bihar Assembly polls amid the coronavirus pandemic, but the poll panel was of the view that carrying out the electoral exercise was a "leap of faith and not a leap in the dark".
The coronavirus pandemic did not have much impact on the voter turnout in the first phase of the Bihar assembly polls as an estimated 53.54 voters exercised their franchise compared to 54.75 per cent in these districts in 2015, according to provisional figures, reported news agency PTI. This is the first major election being conducted amid the raging pandemic. The 2020 poll percentage is likely to go up as the Election Commission is updating the data with more inputs from 71 constituencies spread across 16 districts.
Bihar Elections: 53.4% Voter Turnout Till 6 PM
Over 53 per cent voter turnout has been recorded till 6 PM in the first phase of Bihar assembly polls.
Bihar Minister and BJP leader Prem Kumar today arrived at a polling booth in Gaya to cast his vote wearing a mask with his party's symbol printed on it, reported news agency PTI. Prem Kumar rode a cycle on his way to the polling booth. Gaya District Magistrate (DM) has taken cognisance on its own after the media showed visuals of Prem Kumar at the polling booth wearing a mask with the BJP's party symbol. The DM has asked the Returning Officer to enquire about the incident. If found to be true, the Returning Officer will file an FIR for violating the model code of conduct against Prem Kumar.
Bihar Elections: 51.8% Voter Turnout Till 5 PMOver 51 per cent voter turnout has been recorded till 5 PM in the first phase of Bihar assembly polls.
Bringing the "Modi factor" to the fore of the poll campaign, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today devoted his speech at a BJP rally to developmental works undertaken by the prime minister for Bihar and said Narendra Modi will make it a "developed" state if the ruling NDA is voted back to power, reported news agency PTI. Praising PM Modi, Nitish Kumar referred to a slew of projects to assert that the people of Bihar can never forget what he has done for the state. "Listening to his (PM Modi's) appeal, if you give the NDA one more chance to work in the state, then you take it for sure that he will transform it into a developed state. Bihar with march ahead," he said.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi today said there is anger among small shopkeepers, the youth, farmers and labourers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the national level and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Bihar, reported news agency PTI. Addressing his second poll rally of the day at Kusheswar Asthan in Darbhanga, the former Congress president also said it was sad that Prime Minister Modi's effigy was burnt in Punjab on the occasion of Dusshera. "You didn't get to see it perhaps because Nitishji and Modiji control the media," he alleged.
"You gave 15 years to Nitish Kumar and six years to Narendra Modi. Still Bihar is the poorest state," said Rahul Gandhi at the Darbhanga rally, reported news agency PTI.
Bihar Elections: 46.3% Voter Turnout Till 3 PM
Over 46 per cent voter turnout has been recorded till 3 PM in the first phase of Bihar assembly polls.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi today attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he talks about other countries in his speeches but not about the problems facing India, such as unemployment, reported news agency PTI. Rahul Gandhi, who arrived in Bihar's West Champaran district for his second round of campaigning for the ongoing Assembly elections, also attacked Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over unemployment and the issue of migration.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) files complaint to Election Commission against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his tweet posted today asking for votes in the first phase of Bihar Elections from voters today.
Just like you can save yourself from COVID-19 with a mask, similarly with a single vote you can save Bihar from becoming 'bimar': Prime Minister Modi in Patna.
Who can fulfil the aspirations of the poor and middle class of Bihar? Can those who looted Bihar do it? Those who only thought of their families and did injustice to everyone can never understand Bihar's expectations. Only NDA can do it: PM Modi in Patna.
Bihar Elections: A Huge Crowd Is Seen At PM Modi's Rally
Rahul Gandhi attacked the government over migration and unemployment at a rally in Champaran.
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawans helping specially-abled and aged voters to reach polling booths in Nawada district.
Congress knows how to run the country, how to stand with farmers, give employment, but we don't know how to lie: Rahul Gandhi.
Congress gave direction to the country. We gave MNREGA, waived off farmers' loans. We know how to run the country, stand with farmers, and generate employment, but yes, we do lack one thing - we don't know how to lie. We cannot compete with him (PM) at lying: Rahul Gandhi.
Now Prime Minister doesn't say in speeches that he'll give jobs to 2 crore youth. He knows he was lying and people also know it. I guarantee, if PM comes and says he'll give 2 crore jobs, the crowd will chase him away: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Balmiki Nagar.
Bihar Elections: Rahul Gandhi Addresses Election Rally
The motive of demonetisation and lockdown was the same. It was aimed at destroying small farmers, small businesses, traders, and labourers: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Balmiki Nagar.
Bihar Elections: PM Modi Calls Tejashwi Yadav "Yuvraj" Of "Jungle Raj"
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched a stinging attack on the opposition RJD in Bihar and its chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav, asking voters to beware of the "yuvraaj" (crown prince) of "jungle raj", and alleged the party had the "copyright over kidnappings".
Addressing his second rally of the day in the poll-bound state, PM Modi cautioned the people that a return of the "jungle raj" will bring a double whammy for the state in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. He asked the voters to view the assembly elections as "an opportunity to re-elect those who pulled Bihar out of darkness". "Can anything be expected from the yuvraaj of jungle raj? He ought to be evaluated on the basis of a track record about which the people know much better than I do," said PM Modi, without mentioning by name the RJD or Yadav, the younger son and heir apparent of party president Lalu Prasad.
Bihar Elections: 33.1% Voter Turnout Till 1 PMOver 33.1 per cent voter turnout has been recorded till 1 PM in the first phase of Bihar assembly polls.
What can people expect from ''yuvraaj" (crown prince) of "jungle raj"? asks PM Modi in dig at RJD CM candidate Tejashwi Yadav.
Bihar will face a double whammy if proponents of ''jungle raj'' return to power during a pandemic: PM Modi in Muzaffarpur.
Bihar Elections: PM Modi Addresses An Election Rally In Muzaffarpur
Bihar elections an opportunity to re-elect those who pulled state out of darkness, says PM Modi at election rally in Muzaffarpur.
PM Modi also says that the NDA is committed to the development of Bihar, and asks voters to beware of those greedily eyeing funds meant for the state's welfare
Bihar Elections 2020: PM's Ayodhya Comment In Bihar Reminds Many Of Nitish Kumar's 2015 Taunt
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, campaigning in Bihar's Mithila region today for the ongoing election, referred to the Ram temple in Ayodhya as he outlined his government's work and his coalition's promises for the state. Addressing a joint rally with Nitish Kumar on his second day of campaigning in Bihar, PM Modi began with praise for his critic-turned-ally but his comments on Ayodhya were perceived by many as a veiled dig at him.
Read Here While PM Modi attacked the oposition in Darbhanga, Congress leader Randeep Sigh Surjewala questioned the prime minister on avoiding to speak on Munger incident.
Differently-abled voters queue up outside a polling booth in Jahanabad district to cast their vote during the first phase of state assembly elections.
People of Bihar have taken a resolve to again defeat those who brought 'jungle raj' in the state, those who looted Bihar. These are the people under whose government crime was rampant in the state: PM Modi in Darbhanga.
"A grand Ram Temple is being built in Ayodhya... those in politics who used to ask us a date (of temple construction) are now compelled to applaud... It is the identity of BJP and NDA, we do what we promise," says PM Modi
Bihar Elections: PM Modi Addresses An Election Rally In Raj Maidan, Darbhanga
PM Modi said that the government has helped people with food grains. The government is helping people to provide safe drinking water to their homes. "People in Darbhanga will get better connectivity due to the airport. In atmanirbhar Bihar people will get new opportunities," PM Modi said.
Bihar Elections: 18.3% Voter Turnout Till 11:30 am
A voter turnout of 18.3 per cent was recorded till 11:30 am.
Bihar Elections: Amit Shah Urges People To Vote
"I appeal to all the voters of Bihar in the first phase to vote in maximum numbers. Your one vote will keep Bihar out of fear and corruption and keep it on the path of development and progress," Amit Shah tweeted.
Bihar Elections: 9.3% Voter Turnout Till 11 am
9.3% voter turnout recorded till 11 am in the first phase of Bihar Assembly Elections.
Bihar Election: PM Modi, Nitish Kumar Have Equal Billing In New Poll Ads After Controversy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar share space in the latest campaign posters and ads of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar, which started voting today for a new government.
Read Here Bihar Elections: Voting Underway In Sasaram
Chief Minister Now Playing Role Of General Dyer Who Ordered Jallianwalah Massacre: Chirag Paswan
Who is responsible for the firing and lathicharge incident in Munger? Chief Minister is now playing the role of General Dyer who ordered the Jallianwala massacre. I am sure Chief Minister is responsible for the incident, an investigation should be done: Chirag Paswan, LJP
Voters of Balgudar village in Lakhisarai district boycott elections.
Bihar Assembly Elections 2020: Chirag is Tejashwi Yadav's B team: JD(U) Leader Sanjay Jha
"It has been proved that Chirag Paswan is Tejashwi Yadav's B team, now do we need to say anything more? To help Tejashwi Yadav, this entire game is being played. Chirag Paswan has failed in 'Reel' life as well as in his real life," JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha said while speaking on Chirag Paswan.
Bihar Elections 2020: RJD Urges People To vote For Change, Employment
Bihar Elections 2020: Tejashwi Yadav to hold 16 rallies today
Bihar Elections: Luv Sinha, Shatrughan Sinha's Son, Among Young Leaders On Bihar Frontline
Bihar is witnessing several young leaders this time on the frontline as it elects its next government in the three-phased polls, the country's biggest amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. Actor-turned-politician Luv Sinha, following his father and Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha's footsteps, is one such leader.
Read Here Bihar Elections: 7.1% Voter Turnout Till 9:30 am
7.1% voter turnout recorded till 9:30 am in the first phase of Bihar Assembly Elections.
Bihar Elections 2020: Constituencies and key candidates in phase 1
Bihar Elections: Bihar Minister rides a cycle to reach polling booth in Gaya
Bihar Minister Prem Kumar rides a cycle on his way to the polling booth to cast his vote, in Gaya.
BJP candidate from Jamui and Shooter Shreyasi Singh casts her vote at a polling booth in Naya Gaon area of the district.
We condemn firing by police in Munger, in which 1 person was killed. This double-engine government definitely had a role in it. We want to ask Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi, who gave permission to become General Dyer? We want High Court-monitored probe: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Munger incident.
Bihar Elections: 5% Voter Turnout Till 8 am
5% voter turnout recorded till 8 am in the first phase of Bihar Assembly Elections, reports news agency ANI.
CRPF jawans helping differently-abled and elderly voters at Booth number 10 in Chakarbandha area.
Voters queue up at polling booth number 219 in Aurangabad; polling for the first phase of Bihar Elections is underway.
Bihar Polls: 1st phase polling of assembly elections underway
In the first phase of Bihar assembly elections, voting is on 71 seats today. If you are a voter of these areas, then please take out time to vote, tweets Nitish Kumar.
Bihar Voting Today: PM Modi Reminds Bihar Voters As Voting Begins
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asked people in Bihar to go out in large numbers and vote in the first phase of the election to the state assembly, asking voters to maintain coronavirus safety guidelines and wear a mask as they step out to vote. The Bihar election, the first assembly election since the coronavirus outbreak, is being held in the shadow of the pandemic.
Read Here Bihar Elections 2020: The First Phase Of Voting Is Underway
I appeal to all voters to participate in this festival of democracy while taking precautions against COVID-19, tweets BJP President JP Nadda.
Bihar Voting Today: 2 IEDs Recovered, Defused By CRPF In Aurangabad
Bihar Election 2020: CRPF detected and defused two improvised explosive devices (IED) in Aurangabad's Dhibra earlier today, reports ANI.
Bihar Election Today: Giriraj Singh Casts Vote from Barhaiya
Union Minister Giriraj Singh cast his vote in Lakhisarai's Barhaiya.
PM Modi appeals Bihar voters to exercise their rights, but keeping in mind all Covid protocols.
A man at a polling booth in Sasaram turned up without a mask.
Rakesh Rathi, IG Magadh says, We have taken all security measures in every polling booths. Adequate security forces have been deployed. COVID-19 measures have also been taken in all the booths.
Bihar Election Live News: Sanitization Underway At Polling Booth Number 56, 57 In Munger
Bihar: Sanitization underway at polling booth number 56 and 57 in Munger; people queue up at the polling booth while maintaining social distancing.
Bihar Election Today: Union Minister Giriraj Singh visited a temple in Barahiya, Lakhisarai.
"Proves Nitish Kumar Is Worried": Chirag Paswan On Leaked Video
A day before voting starts for the Bihar election, a video of Chirag Paswan preparing to record a speech standing next to his father Ram Vilas Paswan's photo has emerged online and his being shared on social media. The video was taken when the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leader was filming a message on his party's manifesto for the polls.
Read Here RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav says that people in Bihar will vote for better future, education, health, employment and development.
Voting for the first phase of Bihar Elections underway; visuals from a polling station in Gaya.
Bihar Elections: Voting Begins For First Phase
Voting begins for the first phase of Bihar Elections; 1,066 candidates in fray for 71 seats.
Will Nitish Kumar Get A Fourth Term? Voting Begins In Bihar Today
The three-phase election in Bihar that would decide if Nitish Kumar gets a fourth term as the Chief Minister, begins today with voting on 71 of the state's 243 seats. His challenger is RJD's Tejashwi Yadav, whose promise of 10 lakh jobs has proved a huge draw in the backdrop of the lockdown and widespread unemployment. The third factor in this election is Chirag Paswan, the son of the late Lok Janashakti Party chief Ramvilas Paswan, whose rebellion against the leadership of Nitish Kumar is suspected to be backed by the BJP.
Read Here Bihar Elections: Voting For The First Phase Of Bihar Elections To Begin Today
Bihar Polls: People Deployed On Polling Duties Seen Wearing Masks, Gloves
Gaya: People deployed on polling duties seen wearing masks and gloves; sanitizers to be used during the voting that will begin shortly, which is first of its kind after COVID-19 pandemic.
I Appeal People To Exercise Their Right To Vote: Rashtriya Janata Dal Leader Tejashwi Yadav
Voting for the first phase of Bihar Elections to begin today
Bihar Elections 2020: Fate Of 6 Ministers, Ex-Chief Minister To Be Sealed In Bihar Poll Phase 1Over 2 crore people in Bihar will today vote to elect their representatives for 71 of the state's 243 assembly constituencies. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal United is contesting in 35 seats, while its ally BJP is contesting in 29. Chirag Paswan's LJP, which has emerged as Mr Kumar's biggest rival over the last few months, has fielded candidates in all the 35 seats contested by the JDU.
Tejashwi Yadav's RJD is contesting in 42 seats, whereas as its ally Congress is trying its luck in 20 constituencies. Strict anti-Covid measures have been put in place by the Election Commission to prevent transmission of the virus during voting. The fate of several high-profile candidates, including six ministers and a former chief minister, will be decided in the first phase of polling.