Tomorrow, Bihar will witness the second and final phase of its Assembly elections, covering 122 constituencies across 20 districts. This decisive round includes the key regions of Seemanchal, Magadh, Shahabad, Kosi, and Mithilanchal, encompassing districts from East Champaran to Kaimur. To ensure a free and fair poll, stringent security is in place; state borders with Nepal, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jharkhand have been sealed, with the Maitri Express train service temporarily suspended.
The Election Commission has finalized all logistical arrangements for over 3.7 crore eligible voters. Voting is scheduled from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., though polling will conclude early at 5:00 p.m. in seven specific constituencies and 1,202 individual polling stations due to security concerns. For comprehensive monitoring, a state-of-the-art control centre in Patna and district-level control rooms have been established, with webcasting from all of the more than 45,000 polling stations.
This phase is primarily a direct contest between the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan alliances. The NDA has fielded candidates from the BJP (53), JD(U) (44), and LJP (Ram Vilas) (15), among others. The opposition Mahagathbandhan includes the RJD (71) and the Congress (37). The political fate of 12 state cabinet ministers, including prominent figures like Power Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav and former Deputy Chief Minister Renu Devi, hangs in the balance.
Key contests are concentrated in districts like West Champaran and Nawada. In West Champaran’s nine constituencies, a three-way contest unfolds between the NDA, Mahagathbandhan, and other parties, featuring high-profile candidates such as Minister Renu Devi in Bettiah. Similarly, in Nawada’s five seats, races like the one in the Nawada constituency between JD(U)’s sitting MLA Vibha Devi and RJD’s Kaushal Yadav are being closely watched.
With everything from specialized polling stations managed by women and differently-abled staff to extensive security deployments in place, the stage is set for a smooth and peaceful conclusion to the electoral process, determining the fortunes of 1,302 candidates.
