Amit Shah Urges Record Turnout in Bihar, Says Every Vote Needed to Stop “Jungle Raj”

New Delhi, Nov 2025 : As the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections commenced on Thursday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah issued a strong appeal to voters, urging them to participate in record numbers to ensure the state’s stability and progress. The Home Minister emphasised that every vote cast would help prevent the return of what he described as “jungle raj” and would strengthen the path of development in Bihar.

Posting on the social media platform X, Shah appealed to all voters, particularly the youth, to participate enthusiastically in the democratic process. “I urge my voting brothers and sisters of Bihar, especially the youth, to turn out in large numbers and cast their votes in the first phase of polling today,” he wrote in Hindi.

Highlighting what he sees as the consequences of low turnout, Shah added, “Each of your votes will help stop the return of Jungle Raj in Bihar, uphold good governance, and pave the way for building a developed and self-reliant state. In this election, teach a lesson to those who compromise the nation’s security by protecting infiltrators and Naxalites.”

Emphasising improved living standards and future growth, Shah said that voters had a pivotal role to play. “Your vote will play a crucial role in ensuring modern education for every citizen, the welfare of the poor, better employment opportunities for the youth, and in restoring Bihar’s pride.”

Meanwhile, the first phase of polling began at 7 a.m. across 18 districts of Bihar. Voters are casting their ballots in 121 Assembly constituencies, with 1,314 candidates in the fray — including 1,192 men and 122 women.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), 3,75,13,302 electors are eligible to vote in this phase. This includes 1,98,35,325 male, 1,76,77,219 female, and 758 third-gender voters, who will decide the fate of the contesting candidates.

The Election Commission has set up a total of 45,341 polling stations — 36,733 in rural areas and 8,608 in urban areas. Of these, 320 are model polling stations, while 926 booths are entirely managed by women and 107 are managed by PwD (Persons with Disabilities) personnel. To enhance transparency, 100 per cent webcasting is being conducted across all polling stations.

Polling will continue until 6 p.m. at most booths. However, in six constituency segments located in Naxal-affected areas, voting will conclude earlier, at 5 p.m., due to security considerations.

Voting is currently underway in key districts including Khagaria, Munger, Lakhisarai, Sheikhpura, Nalanda, Patna, Bhojpur, Madhepura, Saharsa, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Samastipur, Begusarai, and Buxar.

Security arrangements for the first phase are described as unprecedented. Police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in large numbers across all 18 districts, with special forces posted at sensitive and hyper-sensitive polling stations. Over 15 battalions of central and state forces are overseeing election security statewide.

In Patna district alone, voters are heading to 5,677 polling stations, which include 541 women-only booths, 49 model booths, 14 PwD-friendly booths, and three youth-themed polling stations designed to encourage young voter participation.

As the first phase proceeds smoothly under tight security, the Election Commission continues to urge citizens to vote responsibly, with political leaders — led prominently by Union Home Minister Amit Shah — making strong appeals for a higher turnout to shape Bihar’s political and developmental trajectory.