‘Vote To End Jungle Raj’: Amit Shah’s Message As Bihar Begins First Phase of Polling

Last Updated:November 06, 2025, 09:21 IST

Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged Bihar voters to “teach a lesson” to those protecting infiltrators and Naxalites, saying every vote can stop the return of ‘jungle raj’.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah (Image: News18)

As Bihar goes to the polls to elect a new government, Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a fervent appeal to voters to turn out in record numbers, urging them to “prevent the return of jungle raj" and “teach lesson" to those who “toy" with the country’s security.

Shah’s message to Bihar’s voters

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Amit Shah addressed the people of Bihar, particularly the youth, calling their participation “vital" to the state’s progress.

“I urge the voters of Bihar, especially the youth, to come out in record numbers and vote in the first phase of polling today," Shah wrote. “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."

The Home Minister also accused the Opposition of endangering national security by “protecting infiltrators and Naxalites", urging voters to “teach them a lesson." Shah added that every vote would help strengthen modern education, welfare for the poor, and employment for the youth.

NDA defends its record

JD(U) leader and Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, who is facing an FIR, defended the government’s “vikas model" under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. “The Mahagathbandhan represents jungle raj, when people were afraid to step out after 7 pm. Today, Bihar lives in peace," he said.

Bihar begins voting

Polling began at 7 am across 121 constituencies in 18 districts in the first phase of the 2025 Bihar Assembly election. The voting, which will continue till 6 pm in most areas, marks the beginning of a crucial two-phase contest to decide the fate of 243 seats in total.

Over 3.75 crore voters, including 10.7 lakh first-time voters, are eligible to cast their ballots at 45,341 polling stations, 36,733 of which are in rural areas. A total of 1,314 candidates are in the fray, including 122 women. Counting of votes will take place on 14 November.

Major players

The election features a triangular contest between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) – comprising JD(U), BJP, LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM, and RLM, the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) – led by RJD, Congress, and Left parties; and Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party, contesting all 243 seats in its electoral debut.

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

Shuddhanta Patra

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...Read More

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...

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News elections ‘Vote To End Jungle Raj’: Amit Shah’s Message As Bihar Begins First Phase of Polling

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