Bihar's First Phase Assembly Elections: A High-Stakes Battle Unfolds

Bihar is gearing up for a crucial electoral moment as the first phase of its assembly elections takes place today, November 6, 2025. With over 3.75 crore voters spread across 121 constituencies, this election represents a significant political turning point for the state, featuring a fierce contest between two competing alliances and a slate of high-profile candidates.

The Electoral Landscape

The first phase encompasses 121 constituencies across 18 districts, with voting conducted at an impressive 45,341 polling stations. Nearly 1,314 candidates are in the fray, competing for the opportunity to shape Bihar's political future. Voters will cast their ballots between 7 am and 5 pm, with the second phase scheduled for November 11. The final results will be declared on November 14, concluding the electoral process.

Political Alliances: Two Visions for Bihar

This election pits two major coalitions against each other, each representing distinct political ideologies and governance models. The Mahagathbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), brings together Congress, Left parties, and the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) in a united front. Meanwhile, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), spearheaded by the BJP, counts Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and other regional allies as coalition partners. This multi-party contest reflects the complexity of Bihar's political ecosystem and the diverse interests at play.

Star Power and Notable Candidates

The first phase boasts several prominent figures whose contests have captured public imagination. Tejashwi Yadav, the RJD's chief ministerial face, is once again contesting from Raghopur—a seat he has represented for two consecutive terms. His battle against BJP's Satish Kumar is expected to be closely watched, as Raghopur has emerged as a symbol of RJD's dominance in certain pockets of Bihar.

The election also features several personalities from the entertainment and business spheres, including Khesari Lal Yadav, a popular Bhojpuri singer-turned-politician contesting on an RJD ticket from Chapra, and Maithili Thakur, a 25-year-old pop singer recently inducted into the BJP. These candidates represent a growing trend of non-traditional politicians entering the electoral fray.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is also contesting in the first phase, defending his seat against challengers. Additionally, Tej Pratap Yadav, Tejashwi's brother, is participating in the electoral exercise, highlighting how family ties continue to play a significant role in Bihar politics. In another notable contest, incumbent Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha is contesting from Lakhisarai, a seat he has held with considerable margins in previous elections.

Key Constituencies to Monitor

Beyond the personalities involved, several constituencies are gaining attention for their political significance. Raghopur, a traditional RJD stronghold, remains crucial for the opposition alliance's narrative. Begusarai, known for its active electorate and competitive contests, will be closely observed as a bellwether for voter sentiment. Patna Sahib, one of Bihar's most prominent constituencies, will provide insights into urban voting patterns, while Lakhisarai's contest will determine whether the ruling coalition can maintain its incumbency advantage.

The Road Ahead

As Bihar heads to the polls in this first phase, the state stands at a crossroads. The elections will determine not just the composition of the assembly but also the broader direction of governance, development priorities, and social policies. With three phases spanning across November, voters will gradually exercise their democratic choice, ultimately deciding which alliance will steer Bihar's future.

The first phase results on November 14 will set the tone for the subsequent phases, offering early indicators of voter sentiment and potentially influencing campaign strategies for the rounds to come. In many ways, today marks the beginning of a defining moment in Bihar's political history.