High-Stakes Battle in Phase 1
The political cauldron of Bihar is at its peak as the first phase of the state’s high-stakes assembly election gets underway. Today, the electoral fate of some of the biggest names in Bihar politics is being sealed in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) across 121 crucial constituencies. This opening phase is a heavyweight title fight, setting the tone for the entire election.
Tejashwi Yadav‘s Litmus Test in Raghopur
All eyes are on Raghopur, where the Mahagathbandhan’s Chief Ministerial hopeful, Tejashwi Yadav, is seeking re-election. For the young RJD leader, this is more than a battle for his home turf; it is a litmus test of his leadership and his campaign’s singular focus on rozgar (employment). A commanding victory here is essential to send a powerful message that the winds of change are blowing across Bihar.
NDA‘s Titans in the Fray: 2 Deputy CMs, 13 Ministers
The ruling NDA coalition is not ceding any ground. They have strategically front-loaded this phase with their own titans. A staggering two Deputy Chief Ministers and thirteen incumbent ministers are in the fray, turning this phase into a direct referendum on the performance of the “double-engine sarkar.” The presence of such a high number of senior government figures underscores the NDA‘s confidence, but every seat a minister contests becomes a high-profile battle where a loss could damage party morale.
Key Issues Dominating the Vote
The battlegrounds are spread across the politically sensitive regions of Magadh and Bhojpur, where caste arithmetic, local issues, and candidate popularity create a complex electoral tapestry. For many voters, the choice is between the promise of development and welfare schemes versus the desperate need for jobs and a future free from migration. Farmer’s distress, law and order, and caste alliances are all swirling in the air, influencing choices behind the secrecy of the voting booth.
Why Phase 1 is Crucial for Both Alliances
This first phase is critical for setting the narrative. For Tejashwi and the Mahagathbandhan, a strong performance is non-negotiable to build momentum. Conversely, for the NDA, this is their fortress. A successful defense by their ministers will validate their governance model and put the opposition on the back foot. Any poor showing would signal anti-incumbency and energize the challenger.
As voters brave the early morning chill, adhering to COVID-19 protocols, the first chapter of Bihar’s political future is being written today.
