Rohtas (Bihar) [India], June 1 (ANI): On the seventh and last phase of Lok Sabha elections, Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief and party's candidate from Karakat parliamentary seat, Upendra Kushwaha on Saturday said that they are receiving positive news from the entire Bihar and expressed confidence that the state will contribute 40 seats to the NDA.
Speaking with ANI, Upendra Kushwaha said, "I am receiving positive news from the entire Lok Sabha constituency and they align with what we have thought of. We are also receiving positive news from all over Bihar as well."
On being asked about the important issues dominating in Karakat, Kushwaha said that people's expectations and issues, all revolve around development. "People want the establishment of new factories, employment, construction of bridges, irrigation facilities, quality education for children."
Reiterating the slogan of 'Abki baar 400 paar', Kushwaha said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that 'ab ki baar 400 paar'. Today, voting is going on and I am confident that Bihar will contribute 40 seats to NDA."
Urging the people to vote, the RLM Chief said, "I appeal to people that not a single voter should remain without participating in this process. I understand that the weather conditions are very adverse but in the interest of people and country, one should cast their vote."
Kushwaha also claimed that the opposition has already accepted their defeat and said, "... They also know that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the NDA government will be formed for the third time."
The seventh and final phase of polling in the largest festival of democracy started on Saturday morning in the 57 parliamentary constituencies across seven states and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
Voter turnout in Bihar till 3:00 pm was recorded at 42.95 per cent.
According to the Election Commission of India, over 10.06 crore electors including approximately 5.24 crore male, 4.82 crore female and 3574 third gender electors are expected to exercise their franchise.
Under the INDIA alliance agreement in Bihar, the RJD is vying for 26 seats, Congress for nine, and the Left parties for the remaining five out of the state's 40 Lok Sabha constituencies.
While, in the NDA, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will contest on 17 seats, Janata Dal-United (JDU) on 16 seats, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) (Ram Vilas) on 5 seats, Hindustani Awam Morcha and Rashtriya Lok Morcha on one seat each in 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Elections in Bihar are contested in all seven phases. With 40 Lok Sabha constituencies, the fourth highest among all States and Union Territories, Bihar holds a crucial position in shaping Indian politics.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA, consisting of BJP, JDU (Janata Dal-United), and LJP (Lok Janshakti Party), secured victory by taking the lead on 39 out of 40 seats. Meanwhile, the Mahagathbandhan, led by RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal), INC (Indian National Congress), and RLSP (Rashtriya Lok Samta Party), only managed to secure one seat. (ANI)
