The first phase of Bihar's assembly elections is set for November 6, covering 71 constituencies across 16 districts. This initial round will see over 2.14 crore voters deciding the fate of 1,206 candidates in a fiercely contested battle. Polling stations, numbering around 22,000, will open from 7 AM to 6 PM, with extended hours in sensitive areas to ensure maximum participation.
Key rivalries dominate the spotlight, featuring heavyweight clashes that could shape the state's political future. In Imamganj, former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi faces off against Speaker Awadh Bihari Choudhary. Kahalgaon pits BJP's Pawan Kumar Yadav against Congress incumbent Sadanand Singh, while Tarari sees CPM's Raju Yadav challenging BJP's Narendra Kumar.
The electoral map spans diverse regions from Katihar and Banka in the east to Buxar and Bhojpur in the west. Urban centers like Patna and rural strongholds alike are in play, with constituencies such as Brahampur, Bhojpur, and Warsaliganj drawing intense focus. Security has been ramped up with thousands of personnel deployed to prevent any disruptions.
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Major parties have fielded prominent figures to sway voters. BJP's contenders include sitting MLAs like Pawan Kumar Yadav and newcomers such as Narendra Kumar. Allies and opponents, including RJD's Sarvar Ali in Agiaon and independents in multiple seats, add layers of unpredictability to the mix.
Results from this phase, expected on November 10 alongside later rounds, will signal early momentum in the 243-seat assembly race. With alliances tested and voter turnout crucial, the outcome in these 71 seats could foreshadow shifts in Bihar's power dynamics for years to come.
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