Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday described Bihar as the birthplace of democracy and said the state has suffered for the last 20 years due to an "opportunistic", "corrupt" and "anti-poor" government and time has come for a change now.

"Bihar, the birthplace of democracy, has demonstrated in the first phase how enthusiastic its voters are for change. Today, in the second phase of voting, I urge you to cast your vote and encourage your relatives, friends, and neighbours to do the same," he said in his post on X.

Noting that Bihar needs a 'model' filled with economic development, social justice, and equality, Kharge said, "For 20 years, Bihar has suffered under an opportunistic, corrupt, and anti-poor and deprived government. Today is the time for change."

The Congress chief said the time has come to provide justice to Dalits, Mahadalits, backward, extremely backward, economically weaker sections, and minority communities. "Youth have the opportunity to secure jobs, women security, farmers their rights, and begin a new chapter of public welfare for all," Kharge said.