Bihar Elections: Ministers, actor, singer and transgender candidates in spotlight as Bihar votes in phase 1

Patna: The first phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 has opened with voting across 121 constituencies in 18 districts. The contest features a vibrant mix of politicians, film stars, singers, and even a transgender activist, reflecting Bihar’s evolving political landscape. The state’s political heavyweights and newcomers are all testing their popularity in this round before the second phase of polling on November 11. Tejashwi and Tej Pratap Yadav in Family Face-Off Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav is contesting from Raghopur, a traditional Yadav stronghold and family bastion. His main rival is BJP’s Satish Kumar, though the seat is considered a safe one for the RJD. The young leader’s promise of one government job per household has emerged as a major campaign theme. Meanwhile, his elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav, now estranged from the family, is contesting from Mahua in Vaishali district as the face of his new party, Janshakti Janata Dal. He faces RJD’s Mukesh Kumar Raushan and LJP’s Sanjay Singh. Tej Pratap’s personal controversies and his political split from his brother have added drama to the contest. New Faces from Culture and Cinema Folk singer Maithili Thakur, the BJP’s cultural ambassador, is making her political debut from Alinagar in Darbhanga district. The 25-year-old hopes to draw the youth and cultural pride of Mithilanchal. Her competitors include RJD’s Binod Mishra and Jan Suraaj Party’s Biplaw Kumar Chowdhary. On the other hand, Bhojpuri superstar Khesari Lal Yadav represents the RJD from Chhapra. The actor-singer faces BJP’s Chhoti Kumari and independent Rakhi Gupta, turning the contest into a high-profile triangular battle. Known for his fiery speeches, Khesari has appealed to voters by focusing on education and employment issues over religious rhetoric. First phase of Bihar Elections 2025 underway; Over 2.5 crore voters set to cast their ballots Powerful Ministers Seek to Retain Ground Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha are both contesting from the Munger region. Choudhary is vying for the Tarapur seat against RJD’s Arun Shah, while Sinha aims for a sixth consecutive win from Lakhisarai. Both leaders carry the BJP’s banner in a crucial test of the ruling alliance’s strength. Choudhary, representing the Kushwaha community, is expected to play a key role in backward caste consolidation, while Sinha, a Bhumihar leader, banks on his long-standing support base. Transgender and Independent Candidates Bring Social Shift A unique contest is unfolding in Bhorey where Preeti Kinnar, representing Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party, is challenging Education Minister Sunil Kumar. Preeti’s candidacy as a transgender woman has sparked conversations about inclusivity in Bihar politics. Another independent face, Jyoti Singh, wife of Bhojpuri actor Pawan Singh, is contesting from Karakat. Her personal feud with her husband and her decision to enter politics have drawn significant media attention. Bihar Elections: Armed forces at every booth, all borders sealed; 450,000 security personnel deployed Battle of Strongmen in Mokama and Familiar Faces in Patna The Mokama seat sees a fierce clash between JD(U)’s Anant Singh and RJD’s Veena Devi. Known for his controversial past and strongman image, Anant Singh is again at the center of Bihar’s political spotlight. In Bankipur, BJP minister Nitin Nabin is contesting for a fifth term against RJD’s Rekha Gupta and Jan Suraaj’s Vandana Kumari, making it one of the most closely watched urban contests. As Bihar votes in the first phase, the blend of celebrities, seasoned politicians, and first-time contestants has turned the election into a spectacle of ambition, rivalry, and change.