Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Lakhisarai (Bihar), Nov 6 (IANS) As Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha cast his vote in Lakhisarai on Thursday, he urged people to participate in large numbers and stressed that this election is not just about forming the government but ensuring overall development of the state.
Speaking to IANS, Vijay Sinha said, “After Chhath Puja, now the great festival of democracy has arrived. The people of Bihar should come forward and vote enthusiastically. This voting is not only to elect the government, but also for the building and development of Bihar. Now the time has come to end the tyranny of ‘Jungle Raj’, ‘Gundaraj’ and those who have exploited the people of the state. Vote for those who truly believe in Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. I believe in.”
Taking aim at the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), he said, “RJD has become a symbol of oppression. It has turned the word ‘Bihari’ into an insult. The party has become synonymous with kidnapping, loot and crime. Bihar suffered losses under the leadership of Lalu Yadav. This time people will choose peace and progress.”
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 1314 candidates including 1192 male and 122 female candidates are in the fray in this election.
According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), 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.
ECI has declared 320 model stations, 926 women-managed and 107 PwD-managed stations 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
Before voting opened for the public, a mock poll was conducted between 5 am and 7 am in the presence of booth level agents.
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.
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