The first phase of the crucial Bihar assembly elections commenced on Wednesday, with a voter turnout of 13.13% recorded by 9 am across 121 constituencies. The high-stakes battle saw top political leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, RJD patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav, and LJP's Chirag Paswan, among the early voters, setting the tone for a day of intense democratic exercise.
Polling began at 7 am amid tight security and adherence to COVID-19 protocols. This phase is seen as a critical indicator of the public mood, covering a significant portion of the state's 243-seat assembly.
The political drama unfolded both inside and outside the polling booths. After casting his vote, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav took to social media to launch a sharp attack on the incumbent government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Sharing a family photo with inked fingers, Yadav posted a cryptic yet pointed message.
"The roti should keep turning on the tawa, otherwise it will burn," he wrote, employing a culinary metaphor to suggest that a government must keep working for the people or face rejection. He directly targeted Nitish Kumar's long tenure, stating, "20 years is too long! Now, for the youth government and the new Bihar, a Tejashwi government is extremely necessary." The post is being seen as a direct pitch for his son and RJD's chief ministerial face, Tejashwi Yadav.
In the opposing camp, confidence was running high. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, after casting his vote, asserted that the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was poised for a decisive victory. "The NDA will come to power with a thumping majority," Choudhary stated, reflecting the coalition's optimism.
Echoing the call for a strong democratic mandate, his key ally and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leader Chirag Paswan also cast his vote and emphasized the importance of voter participation. "I want to see record voting in the first phase," Paswan said, urging all eligible citizens to step out and exercise their franchise.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the Janata Dal (United) chief and a central figure in this election, is yet to cast his ballot. All eyes will be on his constituency when he votes in the subsequent phases.
The first phase of polling is a major test for all political formations. While the NDA, comprising the JD(U), BJP, and LJP, is banking on the development record and leadership of Nitish Kumar, the opposition Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan), led by the RJD, is campaigning on promises of massive job creation and a "new Bihar" under Tejashwi Yadav's leadership.
As the day progresses, the voter turnout figure will be closely watched, as it could be a key determinant in the final outcome of this high-octane electoral battle.
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