The first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections began today at 7 a.m. across 18 districts, covering 121 constituencies where 1,314 candidates are contesting. Around 3.74 crore voters are expected to exercise their democratic right in this crucial round of polling. Among the early voters was Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister and BJP candidate from Tarapur, Samrat Choudhary, who cast his vote at his home constituency. Tarapur, a seat long considered a JDU stronghold where the BJP has never secured a win, presents a major test for Choudhary. The BJP has fielded him as part of its strategy to expand influence in areas previously dominated by its ally. Other prominent figures, including RJD candidate and Bhojpuri star Khesari Lal Yadav, Minister Nitin Navin, JDU leader Lalan Singh, and Union Minister Giriraj Singh, were also seen casting their votes. Meanwhile, Union Minister Giriraj Singh stirred controversy with remarks suggesting that women wearing burqas should be checked during polling. When asked to respond, LJP leader Chirag Paswan criticized the comment, calling it an unnecessary attempt to create a Hindu-Muslim divide. As polling progresses peacefully, all eyes remain on Tarapur and other key constituencies to see how voter sentiment shapes Bihar’s political future.
