Katihar (Bihar) [India], November 9 (ANI): Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal on Saturday said that the people of Bihar are celebrating the Assembly elections as a festival, expressing confidence that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will return to power with a clear majority in the state.

'...Bihar is celebrating this election as a festival. PM Modi's development efforts are visible on the ground; people want the NDA government again in Bihar. We are receiving positive responses from all corners... We are confident of securing victory with a clear majority. Those who defame Biharis will not be spared, the people will respond to them through the power of their vote...' said Jaiswal while speaking to reporters in Katihar.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his gratitude for the 'record-breaking' voter turnout in the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections while addressing an election rally in Bettiah.

'In the first phase of elections, you have broken all records. You have broken all records since independence...' the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi praised the high voter turnout in the first phase of polling, saying it had delivered a '65-volt shock' to those who represented 'jungle raj.'

'Bihar has done wonders in the first phase of voting. In the first phase, the jungle raj folks have been dealt a 65-volt shock. Everywhere, the discussion is that Bihar's youth have chosen development, have chosen NDA. Bihar's sisters and daughters have also ensured NDA's record victory,' the Prime Minister added.

Reiterating his 'katta' jibe at the Mahagathbandhan, Prime Minister Modi said, 'Nahi chahiye Katta sarkaar, phir ek baar NDA sarkaar.'

Addressing another massive rally in Sitamarhi, PM Modi described the atmosphere as 'heart-touching' and said it reflected the people's clear support for the NDA.

'The atmosphere we are witnessing in Sitamarhi today is heart-touching. This atmosphere is also conveying the message that -- We don't want a Katta government, once again an NDA government,' PM Modi said.

The first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections concluded peacefully on Thursday, recording a voter turnout of 65.08 per cent -- the highest-ever in the state's history in assembly polls. Voting was held across 121 seats in 18 districts, with over 3.75 crore eligible voters.

The second phase of polling for 122 seats will be held on November 11, and counting will take place on November 14. (ANI)