Bihar Elections Phase 1: 3.75 Crore Voters to Decide Fate of 1,314 Candidates Across 121 Seats
First Phase of Bihar Assembly Elections Begins Across 18 Districts: The first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections began today with voting taking place in 121 constituencies across 18 districts, including Patna, Nalanda, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, and Lakhisarai. A total of 3.75 crore voters are casting their votes to decide the fate of 1,314 candidates. The contest is primarily between the ruling NDA and the Grand Alliance, with several heavyweight leaders in the fray. Former Deputy Chief Minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who has been projected as the Chief Ministerial candidate by the Grand Alliance, is contesting from the Raghopur seat against BJP’s Satish Kumar.
Among other key candidates are Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chowdhury and Lalu Prasad Yadav’s elder son, Tej Pratap Yadav, representing the Janshakti Janata Dal. Their performances will be closely watched as both alliances aim to strengthen their positions early in the multi-phase election. In the 2020 Assembly polls, the Grand Alliance had secured 63 of these 121 seats, while the NDA, comprising JDU and BJP, managed to win 55. The outcome of this phase could significantly influence the momentum for the following rounds.
Voting began at 7 a.m. and will continue till 6 p.m. under tight security arrangements. More than 500 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), along with drones and quick reaction teams, have been deployed to ensure peaceful polling. Webcasting facilities have been installed in all polling booths to monitor the voting process in real time. The Election Commission has urged voters to turn out in large numbers while maintaining law and order and adhering to all electoral guidelines.
ALSO READ: Beneficial Effects of blowing Shankh
