Are High-Profile Candidates Set to Make Their Mark in the First Phase of Bihar Polls?
Synopsis
As Bihar gears up for the first phase of Assembly elections, a plethora of high-profile candidates are in contention. With 121 constituencies across 18 districts, the stakes are high for prominent leaders. This election phase promises to be thrilling, with intense competition anticipated in key constituencies.
Key Takeaways
High-profile candidates are contesting in the Bihar Assembly elections.
The first phase covers 121 constituencies across 18 districts.
Sixteen ministers from Nitish Kumar's cabinet are in the race.
Tejashwi Yadav is defending his family's stronghold in Raghopur.
Key battles are expected in constituencies with significant political implications.
Patna, Nov 5 (NationPress) A host of prominent candidates are gearing up for the initial phase of the Bihar Assembly elections taking place on Thursday across 121 constituencies in 18 districts of the state.
In this phase, a total of 1,314 candidates are vying for the seats, with numerous notable leaders stepping into the ring.
Among the contenders, sixteen ministers from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's cabinet are looking to secure their positions.
Tejashwi Yadav, leader of RJD, alongside his brother and chief of Janshakti Janata Dal, Tej Pratap Yadav, are working tirelessly to defend their seats.
The campaigning for this initial phase wrapped up on Tuesday evening, and attention is now focused on polling day, especially in key constituencies where fierce competition is anticipated.
Voting for Phase 1 will occur in Madhepura, Saharsa, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Munger, Lakhisarai, Sheikhpura, Nalanda, Patna, Bhojpur, and Buxar.
Out of the 16 ministers contesting, 11 belong to the BJP and 5 from JD(U). Their performance will be scrutinized as a direct assessment of the government’s credibility, governance, and organizational strength.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is competing from Tarapur in Munger district, facing RJD's Arun Kumar Sah, while Jan-Suraaj's Santosh Kumar Singh and Jantantrik Janata Dal's Sukhdev Yadav are also in the race, setting the stage for a multi-faceted battle.
The Raghopur Assembly constituency in Vaishali is regarded as Tejashwi's familial stronghold.
Tejashwi will confront NDA candidate Satish Yadav, while Jan Suraaj's Chanchal Kumar is emerging as a potential third-party factor.
The spotlight is on Mokama (Patna Rural) due to the Dularchand Yadav murder case and the detention of Anant Singh.
JD-U's Anant Singh will face off against RJD's Veena Devi—both linked to influential political families, making this a critical direct battle.
Folk singer Maithili Thakur (BJP) is set to contest from Ali Nagar (Darbhanga), facing RJD's Vinod Mishra. Her popularity in Mithilanchal is a crucial element to watch.
Bhojpuri superstar Khesari Lal Yadav (RJD) is running from Chhapra Assembly constituency in Saran district against BJP's Chhoti Kumari and Independent Rakhi Gupta.
Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha aims for a third consecutive victory against Amresh Kumar of Congress in Lakhisarai.
The BJP has nominated Kundan Kumar against Congress candidate Amita Bhushan in Begusarai Assembly constituency, where caste dynamics play a critical role.
In Bakipur Assembly constituency in Patna, Nitin Nabin of the BJP is contesting in this urban-influenced seat.
Point of View
The unfolding Bihar Assembly elections present a critical juncture in assessing the performance of various political factions. The presence of high-profile candidates indicates a competitive landscape, reflecting the public's demand for effective governance. These elections could serve as a litmus test for the existing government and its ability to resonate with voters.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key constituencies in the first phase of Bihar polls?
Key constituencies include Madhepura, Saharsa, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Samastipur, and Begusarai.
Who are some notable candidates contesting?
Notable candidates include Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav, and prominent ministers from the ruling party.
What is at stake for the ministers contesting?
The performance of the ministers will be a direct reflection of the government's credibility and governance record.
When will the voting take place?
Voting for the first phase will take place on Thursday.
How many candidates are contesting in this phase?
A total of 1,314 candidates are contesting in the first phase.
