Patna/New Delhi, Nov. 7 -- The high-stakes assembly elections in Bihar kicked off on Thursday with the first phase recording a provisional turnout till 6pm of 64.66%, a figure the Election Commission of India described as the "highest ever" in the eastern state.

Polling for the 121 seats across 18 districts was largely peaceful but also saw sporadic incidents of violence and allegations of irregularities by the Opposition. The next phase of the elections, where 122 seats go to the polls, is on November 11 and the counting of votes is on November 14.

"The first phase of the Bihar legislative assembly elections concluded peacefully in a festive mood today with the highest ever voter turnout of 64.66% in the history of Bihar," said an ECI ...