By _shalini oraon
_the commencement of the Bihar Election 2025, Phase 1 voting.
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Bihar Election 2025 Live: Phase 1 Voting Begins Amidst High Stakes, Tejashwi Yadav and Maithili Thakur in the Fray
The democratic spirit of Bihar was on full display today as the first phase of the high-octane 2025 Assembly Elections kicked off, setting the stage for a political battle that will determine the state’s trajectory for the next five years. Amid tight security and a palpable sense of anticipation, millions of voters across 102 constituencies in 16 districts queued up at polling booths, their votes carrying the weight of myriad promises, political legacies, and aspirations for Bihar’s future.
This first phase is not just a numerical beginning; it is a microcosm of the entire election, featuring a direct contest between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), helmed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the opposition Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal’s (RJD) Tejashwi Yadav.
The Electoral Landscape: A Battleground of 102 Seats
The 102 seats going to polls in this phase are spread across the politically sensitive and caste-influenced regions of Kosi, Seemanchal, Mithila, and Tirhut. Key districts include Kishanganj, Katihar, Purnia, Araria, Madhepura, Saharsa, Supaul, Muzaffarpur, East Champaran, and West Champaran, among others. The demographic mosaic here is complex, with a significant influence of Muslim, Yadav, Koeri, Kushwaha, and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), making the electoral calculus intricate and highly competitive.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has established over 50,000 polling stations to cater to an estimated 2.5 crore voters. A massive security blanket, involving central paramilitary forces and state police, has been deployed to ensure a free and fair polling process, particularly in areas with a history of political volatility.
Star Candidates and Key Constituencies
The first phase is studded with high-profile candidates, turning several constituencies into high-stakes duels.
1. Tejashwi Yadav (RJD Leader and Mahagathbandhan’s CM Face):
All eyes are on Tejashwi Yadav,the dynamic leader of the RJD and the opposition’s chief ministerial candidate. While he is not contesting in this phase, his presence looms large over every constituency. Tejashwi has been the principal campaigner for the Grand Alliance, crisscrossing the state with a relentless focus on his “Jeevan Daan” (Promise of Life) manifesto. His promises of 10 lakh government jobs, restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, and a slew of welfare measures for youth and farmers have become the central plank of the opposition’s campaign. Today, he was seen visiting polling booths in Patna, interacting with voters and party workers, his energy underscoring the high stakes for his party.
2. Maithili Thakur (BJP Candidate from Benipatti):
One of the most keenly watched contests is in the Benipatti constituency in Madhubani district,where BJP’s candidate, the celebrated folk singer Maithili Thakur, is making her electoral debut. Thakur, a household name in the Mithila region, represents the BJP’s strategic push to leverage popular local figures to counter the RJD’s influence. She is pitted against the seasoned Vinod Narayan Jha of the JD(U). Her candidature has added a unique cultural dimension to the battle, with the BJP hoping her immense popularity will translate into votes. As she cast her vote this morning, surrounded by supporters, she expressed confidence in the people’s desire for “development and good governance.”
3. Other Key Contenders:
The phase also sees several state ministers and senior leaders testing their fortunes.The JD(U)’s Leshi Singh, the BJP’s Ram Surat Rai, and the RJD’s Akhtarul Iman are among the prominent names whose fate will be sealed today. The performance in these 102 seats will set the tone for the subsequent phases, providing the first tangible indicators of public mood.
The Core Issues: What’s on the Voter’s Mind?
As voters stepped out of their homes, often as families, the issues they cited were a mix of the perennial and the immediate.
· Employment and Migration: The lack of job opportunities, forcing Bihar’s youth to migrate to other states for work, remains the dominant issue. Tejashwi Yadav’s promise of 10 lakh jobs has resonated deeply, putting the NDA on the defensive. The ruling alliance, in turn, has highlighted infrastructure projects and its “Saat Nischay” (Seven Resolves) programme.
· Law and Order: The NDA has campaigned heavily on the improved law and order situation under Nitish Kumar, contrasting it with the “Jungle Raj” they associate with the RJD’s tenure. The opposition, however, has accused the government of failing to curb crime against women and corruption.
· Caste Calculus: In Bihar, elections are never devoid of caste dynamics. The NDA is relying on the combined strength of Nitish Kumar’s Kurmi-Koeri base, the BJP’s upper-caste support, and a section of EBCs. The Mahagathbandhan is banking on the RJD’s solid Yadav-Muslim base, complemented by the Congress’s pan-community appeal and the Left parties’ influence among certain sections.
· Development vs. Social Justice: The BJP’s campaign, bolstered by star campaigners like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has emphasized a “Double Engine Ki Sarkar” (double-engine government), arguing that a state government aligned with the Centre ensures faster development. The RJD has counter-punched with its core plank of “social justice” and empowerment, accusing the NDA of being anti-poor and anti-youth.
Live Scenes from the Ground
From the bustling towns to the serene villages, the act of voting was a vibrant spectacle. Long queues were seen outside many polling stations, with senior citizens and first-time voters showing equal enthusiasm. “I have voted for development and for the future of my children. I hope the next government will bring industries to Bihar so our sons don’t have to leave home,” said Shyam Sundar Singh, a farmer in Muzaffarpur.
At another booth in Kishanganj, Anjuman Praveen, a young college student, stated, “My vote is for employment. We need a government that sees our potential and creates opportunities for us here, in our own state.”
The Road Ahead
The voting for Phase 1 will conclude at 6 PM, after which the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be secured in strongrooms under a multi-layered security cover. The immediate focus will now shift to the remaining phases: Phase 2 on November 13 and Phase 3 on November 17.
The outcome of today’s polling will send a powerful message to all political parties. A strong showing for the NDA in this phase will cement its narrative of stability and development. Conversely, if the Mahagathbandhan performs well, it will validate Tejashwi Yadav’s aggressive, youth-centric campaign and signal a potential shift in Bihar’s political winds.
As the sun sets on the first phase of the Bihar 2025 elections, one thing is clear: the people of Bihar have begun the process of writing their destiny. Their verdict on December 8 will not just decide who forms the next government, but will also be a definitive judgment on the last two decades of Bihar’s political journey. The dance of democracy has begun, and its final rhythm is still anyone’s guess.
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