Bihar's battle begins: Voting underway in 121 assembly constituencies for phase 1

The first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections is underway, with voting taking place in 121 constituencies. This phase is a crucial test for the ruling NDA, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the BJP, and the Mahagathbandhan, fronted by Tejashwi Yadav, with key issues like jobs and law and order dominating the narrative. BJP candidate and singer Maithili Thakur has sparked a controversy, stating, ‘Alinagar will become Sitanagar if I win the election from the seat.’ The election has commenced amid tight security, especially in sensitive areas like Mokama, known as the 'land of Bahubalis', where strongmen Anant Singh of the JDU and Surajbhan Singh's wife from the RJD are in a direct contest. In the 2020 polls, the Mahagathbandhan had a slight edge in these seats, winning 61, while the NDA secured 59, setting the stage for a tense opening round in 2025.