The first phase of India’s Lok Sabha polls is underway, and Bihar is once again at the center of a political spectacle. As four key seats—Gaya, Jamui, Nawada, and Aurangabad—go to the polls on April 19, the candidate list reads like a blockbuster cast. The electoral fray features a diverse lineup, including veteran ministers, a film actor-turned-political heir, a popular Bhojpuri singer, and reflects the growing participation of transgender individuals in politics, making Bihar’s Phase 1 election a contest to watch.
The Veteran Minister: Jitan Ram Manjhi‘s Prestige Battle in Gaya
In the reserved constituency of Gaya, the battle is a clash of political titans. The NDA has fielded Jitan Ram Manjhi, a seasoned politician and former Chief Minister of Bihar. At 79, Manjhi is spearheading the campaign for his Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) party, an ally of the BJP. He faces a strong challenge from the RJD’s Kumar Sarvajeet, a local MLA and former minister. This contest is a direct face-off between the NDA and the INDIA bloc, putting Manjhi’s formidable political experience to the ultimate test.
The Actor-Turned-Heir: Chirag Paswan‘s Star Power in Jamui
Adding a dash of glamour and legacy to the mix is Chirag Paswan, son of the late political giant Ram Vilas Paswan. A former Bollywood actor who debuted in the 2011 film “Miley Naa Miley Hum,” Chirag now heads the LJP (Ram Vilas). While he is contesting from Hajipur, his influence looms large over Jamui, where he has fielded his brother-in-law, Arun Bharti. Chirag’s star power is a major draw on the campaign trail, demonstrating a successful transition from the silver screen to the demanding world of Bihar politics.
The Singer’s Pitch: Gunjan Singh Disrupts Nawada’s Politics
The Nawada constituency is witnessing a fascinating contest, stirred by the entry of Bhojpuri singer Gunjan Singh. While the primary fight is between BJP’s Vivek Thakur and RJD’s Shravan Kushwaha, Singh has entered the race as an independent candidate. His immense popularity, especially among the youth, has turned a bipolar contest into a nail-biting triangular fight. Gunjan Singh is testing whether his musical fame can translate into votes, challenging the traditional caste and party-line politics of the region.
A Step Towards Inclusivity: Transgender Representation in Bihar Politics
Significantly, this election cycle in Bihar highlights a powerful stride towards inclusivity. The growing presence of transgender candidates in the political arena signals a maturing democracy. While no specific transgender candidate is contesting in these four seats, the broader electoral landscape is being enriched by voices like Reshma Prasad, a prominent transgender activist from Bihar who has previously contested. This trend is a powerful statement that every voice, regardless of gender identity, matters and deserves to be heard in the halls of power.
As voters in Bihar cast their ballots, they are not just choosing a Member of Parliament; they are delivering a verdict on a unique and colourful cast of characters. The results on June 4 will reveal which script the people have chosen.
