NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged voters in Bihar to participate in large numbers as the state began polling in the first phase of the Assembly elections.In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Today marks the first phase of the festival of democracy in Bihar. I urge all voters of this phase in the Assembly elections to cast their votes with full enthusiasm. On this occasion, I extend my special congratulations to all my young colleagues in the state who are going to vote for the first time. Remember—vote first, refreshments later!”

The Prime Minister’s appeal comes as polling began across several constituencies amid tight security arrangements. The multi-phase election will decide the political future of Bihar, with major parties including the NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc vying for power in the state.Meanwhile, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also appealed to voters to come out and vote in large numbers. In a post on X, he wrote, “My salutations to all the fate-makers of Bihar. Today is an important day for voting. The future course of Bihar will be determined by the single button you press. For the sake of democracy, the Constitution, and humanity, it is absolutely essential that you cast your vote.“I wish to appeal to all voters, especially the Gen-Z exercising their franchise for the first time, to mothers and sisters, to traders, to farmers, to migrants living in other states, to every common citizen, to every student attending coaching for a job, to every patient undergoing treatment for their illnesses and their families, and to every eligible voter in Bihar, one and all: please do vote, come what may. Bihar’s fortunes will brighten only when each and every one of you exercises your right to vote. Your vote will pave the way for Bihar’s progress. So remember, for Bihar’s bright future, do cast your vote without fail. Vote first, with due care. All other tasks can wait!”