Author: Bihar Say | Amrita | Dawn of Democracy in Bihar Tomorrow morning, voters across Bihar will make their voices heard as Polling begins in the first phase
Tomorrow morning, voters across Bihar will make their voices heard as Polling begins in the first phase of the Assembly elections. In 121 constituencies spread across 18 districts, the state braces for a massive democratic exercise. Crucially, polling will start at 7 a.m. and conclude at 6 p.m., though in select areas — including Simri Bakhtiyarpur, Mahishi, Tarapur, Munger, Jamalpur and 56 polling booths in Suryagarha (Assembly segment) — the poll time has been curtailed to 5 p.m. due to security considerations.
More than 3.75 crore electors will decide the fate of 1,314 candidates in this phase. Among them stand 122 women and one transgender candidate — Priti Kinnar of the Jan Suraj Party contesting from the Bhorey constituency in Gopalganj.
On the political front:
From the ruling Janata Dal (United) (JD (U))-led alliance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is contesting 48 seats, JD (U) 57 seats, Lok Jan Shakti Party (Ram Vilas) 14 and Rashtriya Lok Morcha 2 in this first phase.
From the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led Mahagathbandhan: RJD 73, Indian National Congress 24, and Communist Party of India (Marxist Leninist) (CPI (ML)) 14. Meanwhile Jan Suraj Party stirs the pot with 119 candidates in this phase, shifting the usual two-front battle.
This phase will determine the fates of 16 ministers from the current government. Among them 11 belong to the BJP. Prominent faces include Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary (Tarapur) and Vijay Kumar Sinha (Lakhisarai).
In another arena, the Mahagathbandhan’s face, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, contests from Raghopur for the third time. His estranged brother, Tej Pratap Yadav, enters on his own ticket from Mahua. Former health minister Mangal Pandey fights from Siwan, and JD(U)’s veteran seven-time MLA Shravan Kumar seeks an eighth term from Nalanda.
Even the cultural world turns political: folk singer Maithili Thakur contests from Alinagar; Bhojpuri actor-singer Shatrughan Yadav (also known as Khesari Lal Yadav) contests from Chapra.
Given the scale and stakes, elaborate security arrangements accompany tomorrow’s poll. The Election Commission of India has emphasised free, fair and peaceful conduct. In addition, voters are urged to check their roll status and ensure their EPIC/voter ID is ready — after the final voter list revision that preceded this election. More than ever, every vote matters.
Firstly, the first phase sets the tone for governance in Bihar for the next years. Secondly, the huge number of women and marginalised candidates reflects a changing political landscape. Furthermore, the presence of third-front forces like Jan Suraj signals that voter choices may expand beyond the traditional two-bloc narrative. Put simply: this is not business as usual.
If you’re a voter in any of these 121 constituencies:
Check your voter status today.
Reach the polling booth early and carry valid ID.
Encourage family, friends and neighbours to vote.
Stay calm, follow instructions, and remember this vote is your say in Bihar’s future.
And if you’re not in these constituencies, stay tuned. More phases follow soon as Bihar moves through this democratic journey.
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