By Nov 6, 2025

Bihar goes to the polls today for the first phase of the state assembly elections, with 37.5 million voters across 121 constituencies set to cast their ballots to determine the fate of 1,314 candidates in the fray. The elections carry high stakes for both the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition Grand Alliance, with several prominent political figures contesting in this round.

The first-phase polling is scheduled for Thursday, November 6, while the second phase covering the remaining 122 seats will be held on November 11. The results are expected on November 14, completing what is expected to be a closely fought contest.

Among the high-profile contestants in today’s polls is RJD leader and Grand Alliance chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav, who is contesting from Raghopur. The constituency carries significant political symbolism, having been represented in the past by his parents, former Chief Ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi. Yadav faces a contest against BJP’s Satish Kumar, who had defeated Rabri Devi in the 2010 assembly elections on a JD(U) ticket, and Chanchal Singh of the Jan Suraaj Party.

Other key leaders facing the electorate include Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha of the BJP. Choudhary is contesting from his home constituency Tarapur, returning to electoral politics after a long gap, while Sinha is seeking a fourth consecutive term from Lakhisarai. Additionally, former state BJP chief and sitting MLC Mangal Pandey is contesting his first assembly election from Siwan, where he is pitted against Awadh Bihari Chaudhary, a veteran RJD leader and former assembly speaker.

The first phase also marks the electoral debut of several celebrities and public figures. Folk singer Maithili Thakur is contesting from Alinagar in Darbhanga on a BJP ticket. Bhojpuri stars Khesari Lal Yadav and Ritesh Pandey are in the fray from Chhapra (RJD) and Kargahar (Jan Suraaj Party), respectively, highlighting the increasing trend of celebrities entering Bihar politics.

Testing Caste Arithmetic and Development Agenda

The elections in the first phase will test both caste-based and development-driven strategies of the major coalitions. Political observers note that promises related to jobs, livelihood, and overall development could be decisive, especially among Gen Z voters (18–28 years), who may prioritize employment and lifestyle concerns over traditional caste loyalties.

“The first phase of polls will be a test of both caste and development agendas of the NDA and Mahagathbandhan. Job promises, particularly for the young electorate, could influence voting patterns, potentially transcending traditional caste lines,” said DM Diwakar, political analyst and former director of the A N Sinha Institute of Social Sciences.

Of the 121 constituencies in this phase:

• 23 seats will see a direct contest between the BJP and the RJD.
• 33 constituencies will feature a straight fight between the JD(U) and RJD.
• 10 seats will witness a face-off between JD(U) and Congress.

Role of the Jan Suraaj Party

The first phase is particularly crucial for the Jan Suraaj Party, a new political formation led by political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor. The party has fielded candidates in all 243 assembly seats, positioning itself as a potential third front challenging both the NDA and the Grand Alliance.

“The first phase is critical for Jan Suraaj, as many of the constituencies are in north Bihar and select areas of south Bihar. Kishor aims to establish an alternative front focused on development and targeting a mix of upper-caste, Dalit, and Muslim voters. The party could either emerge as a formidable force or act as a vote-splitter between the major alliances,” Diwakar added.

High Stakes in Key Constituencies

Raghopur will attract significant attention, given Tejashwi Yadav’s high-profile candidature and its symbolic value. In Tarapur, Samrat Choudhary’s re-entry into electoral politics will be watched closely to assess the BJP’s resilience in its traditional strongholds. Similarly, Vijay Kumar Sinha’s contest in Lakhisarai will test voter loyalty amid a crowded first-phase contest.

Other constituencies, such as Siwan, where Mangal Pandey faces Awadh Bihari Chaudhary, and Alinagar, Chhapra, and Kargahar, representing celebrity candidates, will provide insight into the effectiveness of personal popularity versus party machinery.

Election Preparedness and Voter Participation

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has undertaken measures to ensure smooth polling, including deploying sufficient polling staff, security personnel, and implementing digital tools for voter verification. Around 37.5 million voters are expected to exercise their franchise, with extensive arrangements in place for both urban and rural constituencies.

The outcome of the first phase is expected to provide an early indication of electoral trends, coalition strengths, and voter sentiment ahead of the second phase, which will cover the remaining 122 seats. Analysts suggest that the performance in this initial round could shape campaign strategies, alliances, and narratives leading up to the final declaration of results on November 14.

As Bihar heads to the polls today, the focus will be on key political heavyweights, celebrity candidates, caste dynamics, and development promises, all converging to determine the political direction of the state for the next five years.