‘Don’t Let Jungle Raj Return’: Amit Shah’s Warning as Bihar Votes in Phase One

‘Don’t Let Jungle Raj Return’: Amit Shah’s Call as Bihar Votes in Phase One.

Patna: As Bihar began voting on Thursday in the first phase of the 2025 Assembly elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged citizens to turn out in large numbers and “prevent the return of jungle raj,” calling for a strong mandate to ensure stability and development in the state.

Amit Shah’s Appeal to Voters

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Shah appealed to voters — particularly the youth — to participate in record numbers. “Each and every vote will play a vital role in preventing the return of jungle raj, upholding good governance, and paving the way for a developed and self-reliant Bihar,” he wrote.

The Home Minister also accused the Opposition of “protecting infiltrators and Naxalites,” saying voters must “teach them a lesson.” He added that every vote for the NDA would strengthen modern education, welfare schemes for the poor, and job creation for youth.

NDA Defends Its Governance Record

JD(U) leader and Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, who is contesting amid an FIR against him, defended the ruling coalition’s governance model under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. “The Mahagathbandhan represents the jungle raj era, when people were afraid to step out after 7 pm. Today, Bihar lives in peace,” Singh said.

Phase One Voting Underway

Polling began at 7 am across 121 constituencies in 18 districts, marking the start of the crucial two-phase election that will decide all 243 Assembly seats. Voting will continue till 6 pm in most areas.

Over 3.75 crore voters, including 10.7 lakh first-time voters, are eligible to cast their ballots at 45,341 polling stations, of which nearly 37,000 are in rural areas. A total of 1,314 candidates, including 122 women, are contesting in this phase. Counting of votes will be held on November 14.

Triangular Contest and Key Faces

The election is largely seen as a three-cornered fight among:

The NDA — comprising JD(U), BJP, LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM, and RLM

The Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) — led by the RJD, Congress, and Left parties

Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party, contesting all 243 seats in its debut

Prominent candidates include Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary (BJP) from Tarapur, Tejashwi Yadav (RJD) from Raghopur, Tej Pratap Yadav (Janshakti Janata Dal) from Mahua, and JD(U)’s Anant Singh from Mokama.