Patna, Nov. 7 -- Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday hailed the robust voter turnout in the first phase of Bihar assembly elections, describing it as a strong message for building a "new Bihar" that is inclusive of all sections of society.

The Union Minister claimed that high voter turnout indicates that the incumbent government (NDA) will receive a substantial mandate in Bihar.

"It is a message to create a new Bihar... inclusive of all those who have been deprived so far. The NDA will get a huge mandate, and the high voter turnout has proven it. In the previous four elections in Bihar, voter turnout has been higher in each election than in the previous one. And the incumbent government was re-elected. In Madhya Pradesh and Guja...