With voter turnout hitting over 60 per cent in the first phase of the Bihar assembly election, both the ruling National Democratic Alliance and the Opposition Mahagathbandhan are hoping that the record turnout will work in their favour.

Till 5pm, 60.18 per cent of voters exercised their franchise across 121 constituencies in the first phase of the Bihar assembly elections. Bihar Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Singh Gunjiyal said voting percentage of 64.46 per cent was recorded around 8pm and the final figures would be known within an hour. At 5pm, the highest polling percentage was recorded at Begusarai district, at 67.32 pc, followed by Samastipur 66.65 pc and Madhepura 65.74 pc. A low turnout of 55.02 per cent was recorded in state's capital Patna.

Stakes are high for both NDA and the

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