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Bihar Gears Up for High-Stakes Phase 1 Battle
The political mercury in Bihar is at its peak as the state prepares for the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections on April 19th. Four crucial constituencies—Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, and Jamui—are set to vote, marking the start of an intense electoral battle between the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan. This phase is more than just a political clash; it’s a drama featuring legacy keepers, political veterans, and even a cultural icon.
As the campaigns conclude, the focus shifts to five key figures whose performance will set the tone for the rest of Bihar’s election. The list includes a veteran’s last stand, a test of legacy, the ever-present influence of the Yadav brothers, and a unique campaign by singer Maithili Thakur.
1. Jitan Ram Manjhi (Gaya): The Veteran’s Crucial Stand
All eyes are on the Gaya (Reserved) seat, where former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi is making a determined bid to enter the Lok Sabha. As the founder of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM-S) and an NDA candidate, Manjhi is a stalwart of Bihar’s Dalit politics. At 79, this election is a critical test of his enduring influence. Facing RJD’s Kumar Sarvajeet, Manjhi is not just fighting for a seat but for his legacy. A victory would be a significant symbolic win for the NDA’s social engineering in Phase 1 of the Bihar voting.
2. Arun Bharti (Jamui): A Test of the Paswan Legacy
In Jamui, the contest is deeply connected to the powerful influence of Chirag Paswan. With Chirag moving to Hajipur, he has passed the baton to his brother-in-law and political newcomer, Arun Bharti. Contesting on the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) ticket, Bharti’s campaign leans heavily on Chirag’s charisma and the formidable Paswan vote base. The RJD has fielded Archana Ravidas to challenge this transfer of power. The verdict in Jamui will serve as a direct referendum on Chirag Paswan’s ability to transfer his family’s political inheritance.
3. Tejashwi and Tej Pratap: The Yadav Brothers‘ Proxy Battle
While Lalu Prasad Yadav’s daughters contest in later phases, the influence of his sons, Tejashwi and Tej Pratap Yadav, looms large over Phase 1. This stage is a litmus test for Tejashwi Yadav’s leadership and his ‘A to Z’ social coalition strategy. The RJD candidates in this phase, such as Kumar Sarvajeet in Gaya and Shravan Kushwaha in Nawada, are essentially foot soldiers in the Yadav brothers‘ battle to reclaim lost ground. Their success will reveal if the RJD’s expanded social formula can challenge the NDA’s formidable election machinery.
4. Sushil Kumar Singh (Aurangabad): The Incumbent in His Fortress
Known as the ‘Chittorgarh of Bihar’ for its strong Rajput influence, Aurangabad has been a bastion for three-time BJP MP Sushil Kumar Singh. Seeking a fourth consecutive term, he is banking on his development track record and the Modi factor. However, the Mahagathbandhan has fielded RJD’s Abhay Kushwaha, playing a strategic caste card to consolidate the OBC vote. This makes the battle for Aurangabad a classic test of incumbency against fresh caste equations.
5. Singer Maithili Thakur: The Candidate for Democracy
In a unique twist, the fifth key figure isn’t a political candidate but an advocate for the electoral process itself. Renowned folk singer Maithili Thakur, serving as the State Icon for the Election Commission in Bihar, has been a prominent face in this first phase. Her mission is to combat voter apathy and encourage citizens, especially youth, to vote. In a state where turnout can swing results, her campaign to strengthen democracy makes Maithili Thakur one of the most vital figures in Phase 1 of Bihar voting.
As Bihar casts its first ballots, the performance of these five individuals will provide the first clear glimpse into the state’s political mood, setting the stage for the battles to come.
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