MARKED BY PERSONAL ATTACKS Bihar polls: Campaign for first phase ends

THE HIGH-VOLTAGE CAMPAIGN for the first phase of the Bihar assembly elections, covering 121 constituencies, ended on Tuesday evening, after weeks of acrimonious exchanges, personal attacks, and divisive rhetoric.

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Electioneering began in earnest a couple of weeks after the polls for the 243-member assembly were announced on October 6, with most parties having finalised their seats and candidates, and the momentum peaked after the festivities of Diwali and Chhath were over.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the blitzkrieg on behalf of the ruling NDA, with as many as eight rallies, two of which were held on the penultimate day of campaigning, besides a roadshow in Patna, and digital interactions with booth-level workers, and also with women, on the final day of electioneering.