"We appeal to voters to vote in large numbers": JD(U) leader Rajeev Ranjan on Bihar elections voting

Patna (Bihar) [India], November 6 (ANI): Janata Dal (United) leader Rajeev Ranjan stressed the excitement among the people for development, employment and unprecedented infrastructure expansion on polling day for the Bihar elections.
Singh also appealed to citizens to turn out in large numbers and make the "festival of democracy" more meaningful and successful.
"People are excited about the development, employment, and unprecedented infrastructure expansion in the state... The NDA is likely to receive positive support for its agenda, and we appeal to voters to vote in large numbers and make this festival of democracy more meaningful and successful," Rajeev Ranjan told ANI.
The first phase of the 2025 assembly elections in Bihar began today at 7:00 am across 121 constituencies in 18 districts of the state's 243 seats, with approximately 3.75 crore electors casting their ballot.
Polling will conclude at 6 pm, and due to security considerations, polling time has been curtailed to 5 pm in some constituencies.
Ahead of voting, election officials at the polling station in Mahua were seen conducting final checks on the VVPAT machines and other equipment to ensure a smooth polling process.
In Mahua, a high-profile contest is underway as Independent MLA and former Bihar minister Tej Pratap Yadav, son of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, faces RJD's Mukesh Kumar Raushan (the sitting MLA), LJP's Sanjay Singh, and Independent Ashma Parveen, the runner-up from the 2020 polls.
Presiding Officer Madhureendra Kumar Singh said, "All necessary arrangements, including setting up compartments for polling agents and parties, installing VVPAT machines, and placing a CU near PP Three. The preparations are complete, and we are ready for a mock poll at 5:30 AM."
RJD leader and Mahagathbandhan's chief ministerial face Tejashwi Yadav is seeking a third consecutive victory from Raghopur in Vaishali district. He faces Satish Kumar of the BJP, representing the NDA and Chanchal Kumar of the JSP.
The 2025 Bihar Elections will see a contest between the National Democratic Alliance and the Mahagathbandhan.
Additionally, Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj has staked claims to all 243 seats in the state.
The NDA comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha.
The Mahagathbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal, includes the Congress party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML), led by Deepankar Bhattacharya, the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), and Mukesh Sahani's Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP).
The remaining 122 constituencies of Bihar will vote in the second phase on November 11. Counting will take place on November 14. (ANI)