PATNA, India: The polling for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections will be held tomorrow (Thursday) across 121 of the 243 constituencies spread over 18 districts.
Over 3.75 crore voters are eligible to decide the fate of more than 1,300 candidates in what is shaping up to be a triangular contest between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the Mahagathbandhan, and the newly formed Jan Suraaj, which is attempting to emerge as a third political alternative in the state.
The electoral battle will seal the fate of 16 ministers in the Nitish Kumar-led government, including both Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, along with Health Minister Mangal Pandey.
Prominent contenders
Among the other prominent contenders are folk singer Maithili Thakur, world shooting champion Shreyasi Singh, and former Union Minister Ram Kripal Yadav. On the opposition side, voting will take place in constituencies from where Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav, and Bhojpuri actor Khesari Lal Yadav are contesting.
During its campaign, the NDA has largely focused on preventing what it describes as the return of the “jungle raj of the Lalu-Rabri era,” highlighting fissures within the Mahagathbandhan, and promising major industrial growth alongside livelihood initiatives such as the Jeevika Didis program.
About the Bihar’s elections, Pakistan reiterates that it does not comment on India’s internal electoral matters. However, the country’s military media affairs wing — the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) — has accused Indian authorities of employing escalation narratives and threats toward Pakistan to bolster domestic political sentiment ahead of state elections such as Bihar’s.
The ISPR cautions that such tactics could transform internal political contests into potential regional security flashpoints, urging responsible conduct by all parties involved.
