The political temperature in Bihar has reached fever pitch as campaigning for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 concluded on Tuesday evening. The stage is now set for a high-stakes electoral battle across 121 constituencies scheduled for November 6.
Massive Electoral Exercise Underway
This initial phase represents a crucial segment of the 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly, with voters across 21 districts preparing to cast their ballots. The Election Commission has implemented comprehensive security measures to ensure peaceful and transparent voting.
Key Constituencies in Focus
Several high-profile constituencies are witnessing intense competition, including:
- Patna Sahib and Patna West in the capital region
- Traditional strongholds in North Bihar
- Critical seats in the Mithilanchal region
- Key constituencies in the Kosi-Seemanchal belt
Security Arrangements and Voter Preparedness
Authorities have deployed extensive security forces across all polling areas to maintain law and order. Over 60,000 security personnel have been positioned at strategic locations, with special attention to sensitive and hyper-sensitive polling stations.
The Election Commission has established approximately 12,000 polling stations equipped with all necessary facilities, including ramps for differently-abled voters and separate queues for senior citizens.
Political Landscape and Major Alliances
The electoral contest features a direct confrontation between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance). Both coalitions have conducted vigorous campaigning, with top leaders crisscrossing the state to rally support.
Key issues dominating the electoral discourse include:
- Employment generation and economic development
- Agricultural reforms and farmer welfare
- Infrastructure development and industrial growth
- Social justice and caste equations
- Law and order situation
What Voters Need to Know
Polling will commence at 7:00 AM and continue until 6:00 PM, with extended timing in certain sensitive areas. Voters are advised to carry their Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) or any of the 11 alternative identity documents approved by the Election Commission.
COVID-19 protocols will be strictly enforced at all polling stations, including mandatory mask-wearing, thermal scanning, and social distancing measures. Sanitization facilities will be available at every entry point.
The outcome of this first phase is expected to set the tone for the subsequent phases of voting, making it a critical indicator of the final electoral verdict in Bihar.
