Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged voters to cast their votes in the first phase of the Bihar Assembly election and participate

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged voters to cast their votes in the first phase of the Bihar Assembly election and participate in the festival of democracy while taking precautions against Covid-19.

Polling began Wednesday morning in 71 assembly constituencies of Bihar in the first phase of three-phase elections amid tight security and Covid-19 guidelines in place.

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— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 28, 2020

"Today is the first phase of voting in the Bihar Assembly elections. I urge all voters to ensure their participation in this festival of democracy while taking precautions against Covid," Modi said in a tweet in Hindi.

"Be mindful of maintaining ''do gaz doori'', wear a mask," he said. "Remember, first vote, then refreshments!" he added.

Narendra ModiGuidelines have been issued by the Election Commission for safe conduct of the electoral exercise, which takes place in the midst of the raging Covid-19 pandemic.

The Bihar polls are being held in three phases -- October 28, November 3 and November 7. The results will be out on November 10.