Patna: The crucial first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections began today, with voting taking place across 121 constituencies in 18 districts. Over 3.75 crore voters are determining the future of 1,314 candidates, in an election day marked by political theatre, celebrity debuts, and a historic return to democracy in sensitive areas.
Democracy Returns to Munger’s Bhimbandh after two decades. In a truly significant event, residents of the Naxal-affected Bhimbandh area in Munger district cast their votes today after a gap of 20 years. Polling in the region was suspended following a major incident two decades ago. The reopening of polling stations, with robust security deployment, was met with visible enthusiasm by the villagers, including an 81-year-old voter who expressed gratitude for being able to vote in his own village again.
Celebrity Showdown and High-Profile Contests The first phase features several intense contests involving star candidates and political heavyweights:
Raghopur: Mahagathbandhan’s Chief Ministerial face, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, is seeking a third term from this RJD stronghold. The contest is complicated by the presence of a candidate from his elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav’s new party, the Janshakti Janata Dal, in addition to the BJP challenger.
Mokama: This seat is the epicentre of a high-stakes “strongman” battle. JD(U)’s Anant Singh, a prominent leader recently jailed in a murder case, is locked in a direct contest against RJD’s Veena Devi, wife of rival strongman Surajbhan Singh. The charged atmosphere in the constituency has drawn national attention.
Alinagar: Folk singer and internet sensation Maithili Thakur made her electoral debut on a BJP ticket, adding a layer of celebrity power to the Mithila region’s politics.
Chhapra: Bhojpuri superstar Khesari Lal Yadav is another notable celebrity, making his poll debut for the RJD in a constituency that has historically leaned towards the BJP.
EVM Glitches and Inclusive Voting Polling remained largely peaceful, though a few booths, including those in Maner and Darbhanga, faced temporary delays due to Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) malfunctions.
The Election Commission had ensured inclusive arrangements, including the deployment of boats to transport polling officials and voters in riverine areas, and the setting up of special women’s, model, PwD, and youth polling stations.
Early Voting by Political Family The RJD’s first family presented a united front as they cast their votes early in Patna. Tejashwi Prasad Yadav was accompanied by his parents, Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, and his wife Rajshree Yadav, encouraging citizens to participate in the democratic process.
Turnout Update Voter participation was active, with the overall turnout recorded at 42.31% till 1 PM. Gopalganj district led the initial turnout figures with 46.73%, while the state capital, Patna, recorded the lowest in the early hours at 37.72%.