Overview
- The Election Commission reported about 65% turnout in the first phase across 121 seats, a figure the BJP is touting as momentum for the NDA.
- Wrapping up his Bihar campaign after 14 rallies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pressed a ‘Jungle Raj vs Vikas’ pitch, used ‘katta’ imagery to attack the RJD, urged higher turnout on 11 November, and said he would return for an NDA swearing-in.
- Union home minister Amit Shah held a roadshow in Purnea and predicted the BJP-led alliance would cross 160 seats, warning voters that a slip from NDA symbols would invite a return of ‘jungle raj’.
- Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge dismissed the NDA’s seat forecasts as boastful, cited the BJP’s missed ‘400-plus’ claim in the Lok Sabha polls, and party leaders amplified concerns about vote integrity.
- RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav shared videos of late-night road rallies from Katihar to Purnia, alleging denial of helicopter permission and power cuts that left supporters using mobile flashlights.