Bihar Kicks Off First Major Election Amid Pandemic
The battle for Bihar is officially underway. The first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections begins today, marking India’s first major electoral test in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the electoral fate of 71 seats across 16 districts on the line, this initial phase is a critical litmus test that could set the tone for the entire three-phase election.
The core contest is between two major alliances: the incumbent National Democratic Alliance (NDA), a coalition of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal’s (RJD) Tejashwi Yadav and the Congress.
This phase, covering the crucial Magadh and Bhojpur regions of southern and central Bihar, will decide the fate of several top candidates, including eight ministers from the Nitish Kumar cabinet. For voters, the choice is between Nitish’s 15-year track record of ‘Sushasan’ (good governance) and Tejashwi’s promise of 10 lakh government jobs, an issue resonating deeply with the state’s youth.
Bihar Elections Phase 1: Key Constituencies to Watch
While every contest is significant, these key constituencies have become focal points of intense political rivalry:
- Jamui: This high-profile contest features international shooter and Arjuna awardee Shreyasi Singh (BJP), daughter of the late Union Minister Digvijay Singh. She is taking on Vijay Prakash (RJD), a former minister with strong local roots, in a classic battle between a new face and a seasoned politician.
- Gaya Town: A BJP stronghold for decades, this seat is a prestige battle. Senior Bihar minister and eight-time MLA Dr. Prem Kumar (BJP) is seeking another term. A victory here for the Mahagathbandhan would signal a significant shift in the urban electorate.
- Mokama: Known for its history of ‘Bahubali’ (strongman) politics, Mokama features incumbent Anant Singh, a powerful local figure, contesting on an RJD ticket. His clash with Rajiv Lochan Narayan Singh (JDU) will be a test of muscle power and shifting caste alliances.
- Sasaram: This historic constituency will witness a direct fight between the RJD and JDU. The RJD has fielded Rajesh Kumar Gupta against JDU’s Ashok Kumar. The outcome here is often seen as an indicator of the mood among the dominant OBC and Dalit voters in the Rohtas district.
Top Candidates and Key Battles in Phase 1
Beyond the highlighted battlegrounds, the electoral futures of at least eight ministers from the Nitish Kumar government are at stake. This includes prominent names like Jai Kumar Singh (JDU) from Dinara, Ram Narayan Mandal (BJP) from Banka, and Vijay Kumar Sinha (BJP) from Lakhisarai. A poor performance by these incumbents could create serious challenges for the NDA.
Adding a layer of unpredictability is Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). While part of the NDA at the Centre, the LJP is contesting against the JDU in Bihar. By fielding candidates in most JDU-contested seats, Paswan is playing the role of a “vote-cutter” who could significantly damage Nitish Kumar’s prospects.
As voters head to the polls, the core issues of unemployment, the migrant crisis, and local development are at the forefront. Today’s voting will provide the first clear signal of whether Bihar is heading for a change or choosing to continue with the incumbent government.
