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New Delhi, Nov 6 (IANS) As the first phase of Bihar Assembly elections begins, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday urged people to vote in record numbers and stressed that each vote will help prevent the return of “jungle raj” in the state.
“I urge my voter brothers and sisters of Bihar, especially the youth, to come in large numbers and cast their votes in the first phase of voting today,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote in Hindi on social media platform
He said, “Each of your votes will help prevent 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 security of the country by protecting infiltrators and Naxalites.”
Highlighting the importance of participation, HM Shah said, “Your vote will play an important role in ensuring modern education for every citizen, welfare of the poor, better employment opportunities for the youth and restoring the pride of Bihar.”
Meanwhile, voting for the first phase of Bihar Assembly elections began at 7 am on Thursday in 18 districts of the state.
Voting is taking place in 121 assembly constituencies and 1,314 candidates, including 1,192 male and 122 female candidates, are in the fray in this election.
According to the Election Commission, a total of 3,75,13,302 voters, including 1,98,35,325 male, 1,76,77,219 female and 758 third gender voters, will decide the fate of 1314 candidates in this election.
The total number of polling stations is 45,341, including 36,733 in rural areas and 8,608 in urban areas.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has declared 320 model stations, 926 women-managed and 107 PwD-managed, in these districts. Webcasting will be available at all 45,341 polling stations.
Voting will continue at general booths till 6 pm. However, voting in six assembly constituencies located in Naxal-affected areas will end at 5 pm
Voting is going on in Khagaria, Munger, Lakhisarai, Sheikhpura, Nalanda, Patna, Bhojpur, Madhepura, Saharsa, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Samastipur, Begusarai and Buxar.
Unprecedented security arrangements have been made for the first phase. Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in all 18 districts, with special patrolling at sensitive and ultra-sensitive booths. More than 15 battalions of forces have been deployed across the state.
Patna district administration said that security personnel have been deployed at every booth to prevent any disturbance or spread of rumours.
Patna alone has 5,677 polling stations, including 541 women-only polling stations, 49 model polling stations, 14 disabled-friendly polling stations and three youth-themed polling stations.
–IANS
JK/DPB