SRINAGAR: The first phase of Bihar’s Assembly elections commenced on Thursday, with 3.75 crore voters set to decide the fate of 1,314 candidates across 121 constituencies.
The high-profile contests include several prominent leaders. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav is seeking a third consecutive victory from Raghopur, facing BJP’s Satish Kumar, who had previously defeated his mother, former Chief Minister Rabri Devi. Tejashwi’s elder brother, Tej Pratap Yadav, is contesting Mahua under his newly formed Janshakti Janata Dal against RJD’s Mukesh Raushan.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha is vying for a fourth straight win from Lakhisarai, while BJP leader Mangal Pandey is contesting his first Assembly election from Siwan. The Mokama constituency has drawn attention as jailed JD(U) leader Anant Singh faces off against RJD’s Veena Devi.
The elections also feature new entrants from the entertainment industry, including singer Maithili Thakur and Bhojpuri actor Khesari Lal Yadav, highlighting a diverse mix of political and public personalities in the fray.
