Today Bihar celebrates the first phase of the festival of democracy. The air is charged with anticipation and hope, as millions of voters prepare to cast their ballots and take part in a defining moment for the state’s future. The appeal is clear and heartfelt: this is not just an election—it is a celebration of civic duty, a communal act of empowerment, and an occasion for every eligible citizen to step forward and make their voice heard.
As the polling booths open in the early hours, the atmosphere already reverberates with optimism. Schools, offices and public places in localities across the region are abuzz with conversations about candidates, parties and policies, while first-time voters clutch their voter identity cards with pride and purpose. The message resonates loud and clear: go out, participate, and vote with full enthusiasm.
Rallying the Voters with Full Enthusiasm
In a stirring appeal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the voters of Bihar, urging them to embrace their electoral responsibility with energy and conviction. “My appeal to all voters of this phase in the assembly elections is that they should vote with full enthusiasm,” he announced, underlining the significance of the moment in the state’s democratic journey.
He added a special note for the many young voters stepping into the polling booth for the first time, congratulating them on crossing that milestone. “Remember: vote first, then refreshments (pehle matadan, phir jalpan),” he said with a light-hearted yet meaningful exhortation that blends celebration with responsibility. In his words, the act of voting is not merely a right but a ritual worth honoring.
Numbers That Matter: Constituencies, Voters and Stakes
The first phase of the assembly elections in Bihar covers 121 constituencies, a vast electoral terrain where approximately 3.75 crore voters will decide the outcome behind 1,314 candidates. These figures underscore the magnitude of the opportunity and the challenge: representation, accountability and change all hinge upon this mass participation.
For many citizens, this is also a moment to reflect on the choices at hand. With high-profile names in the fray and political narratives intensifying by the hour, voter turnout assumes greater importance than ever before. It is a moment when every vote counts, every voice echoes, and every citizen contributes to shaping the state’s destiny.
Leadership Voices and Local Narratives
Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister, made a point of casting his vote at his hometown of Bakhtiarpur, emphasizing that “voting is not only a right but also a duty of citizens in democracy.” His presence reinforced the idea that every individual must act, not just observe, in the democratic process.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister, Samrat Choudhary, who voted in Tarapur, appealed to the voters to back the work of development already underway. “The work done by Nitish Kumar should continue. A lot of effort has gone into the transformation we are witnessing today. Vote for development,” he declared, framing the polling as a mandate on progress and change.
Security, Fairness and Voter Confidence
Ensuring a free and fair election has also become a key theme in this phase. Veteran leader Giriraj Singh, who voted in Lakhisarai, defended measures taken at polling booths — including identity checks for women in burqas — as essential steps to prevent electoral irregularities like vote-theft. His remarks sparked debate but also underscored the administration’s commitment to transparency.
At the same time, campaign leaders from the ruling alliance expressed confidence in victory. Ravi Shankar Prasad, former Union Minister and MP, predicted that the alliance is well-positioned to return to power in Bihar. He hailed the voters and the state for their involvement, emphasising that high voter turnout would reflect a strong endorsement of the democratic process.
Why This Phase Matters and What To Watch
With 121 seats up for grabs in this first phase, the electoral outcome will likely set the tone for the remainder of the polls. While the remaining 122 seats are scheduled for voting on 11 November and counting will follow on 14 November, the current phase is a litmus test for party strength, voter sentiment and political momentum.
For the citizens of Bihar, this election is more than a snapshot of public opinion—it is a chance to shape their collective future. Whether in urban centres or rural areas, in households where the youth are first-time voters, or among communities engaged in long-standing political debates, the act of voting becomes a binding thread of democratic identity.
The Call to Action for Every Voter
So, to every eligible voter within the 121 constituencies, the message is simple: show up, stand up and vote. This is your moment. Your participation transforms elections from a political ritual into a people’s movement.
Let this first phase be marked by enthusiasm, by commitment, by the resolve to choose and by the courage to make a difference. Let every ballot cast become a symbol of empowerment, let every polling booth reflect active citizenship, and let Bihar’s festival of democracy shine in its full glory.
Also Read: Rizwan Sajan: Meet the Richest Indian in the UAE Today
About the Author:
Harshit Raj
