Bihar Elections: Criminal cases, star power and money at the heart of 121 constituencies?

Patna: Bihar goes to polls for the first phase of its assembly elections, with 121 constituencies in central Bihar set to vote on Thursday. This election is shaping up as a high-stakes battle, not only between the Nitish Kumar-led NDA and Tejashwi Yadav-led Mahagathbandhan but also with the debut of strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj, adding a new twist to the political equation. Historic Margins and Alliance Shifts In 2020, the NDA had won 59 of these 121 seats, slightly trailing the Mahagathbandhan which secured 61. The BJP contested 49 seats and won 32, while JD(U) contested 65 seats and won 23. On the other side, RJD contested 71 seats and won 42, with Congress securing eight out of 31 seats. Collectively, the NDA garnered 37.69 percent of the vote share in these constituencies, just behind the Mahagathbandhan’s 38.06 percent. Since the last Assembly polls, alliance compositions have shifted. Chirag Paswan’s LJP(RV) and Upendra Kushwaha’s RLM have joined the NDA, while Mukesh Sahani’s VIP is aligned with the Opposition. However, ongoing seat-sharing disputes have led to friendly contests in a few constituencies where allies are fielding competing candidates. Bihar Polls: Tejashwi Yadav casts vote, announces ‘new govt on November 14’; Full story here Criminal Cases and Wealthy Contestants Phase 1 sees 354 candidates, about 27 percent, facing serious criminal charges including murder and crimes against women. RJD leads with 53 such candidates, while Jan Suraaj has 50 and BJP 31. The Kurhani seat in Muzaffarpur district has the highest number of criminally accused candidates at eight. On the wealth front, crorepati candidates dominate. Jan Suraaj has 81 candidates worth more than a crore, RJD 68, JD(U) 52, and BJP 44. The richest candidate is BJP’s Kumar Pranay, contesting Munger, with declared assets worth Rs 170.82 crore. At the other end, two minor party candidates contesting Darbhanga and Barh have declared assets of just Rs 1,000 each. Bihar Elections 2025: What did Rahul Gandhi say to Gen Z on the eve of voting? Notable Contests Phase 1 features several high-profile battles. Bhojpuri singer Maithili Thakur contests Alinagar for BJP, facing RJD’s Binod Mishra and Jan Suraaj’s Biplaw Kumar Choudhary. Chapra sees Bhojpuri actor Khesari Lal Yadav in the fray for RJD, along with BJP and Jan Suraaj candidates. Former ministers, deputy chief ministers, and powerful regional leaders are contesting in constituencies like Danapur, Lakhisarai, Mokama, Raghopur, Saharsa, Siwan, and Tarapur, ensuring a politically charged atmosphere. Youth, Celebrities, and Voter Stakes The election also highlights the increasing presence of young candidates, with 23 of the youngest at the minimum eligible age of 25. Celebrities and first-time candidates are adding a new layer of excitement to the electoral contest. Voters are not only choosing between alliances but also evaluating candidates with criminal records, high net worth, and public profiles. With a voter turnout of 55.81 percent in 2020, the first phase could shape the momentum for the second phase, scheduled for November 11, with counting on November 14. Political analysts are closely watching these constituencies, as the results will indicate the balance of power in Bihar and the future trajectory of alliances in the state.