Bihar is set to hold the first phase of its assembly elections on Thursday, covering 121 constituencies across 18 districts. A total of 1,314 candidates, including several prominent leaders, are contesting in this phase. The election is crucial as it involves 16 ministers from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's cabinet, with their performance seen as a test of the government's credibility and governance record.

Key figures in the race include Tejashwi Yadav from the RJD, who is contesting from Raghopur, a constituency considered a family stronghold. He faces NDA candidate Satish Yadav and Jan Suraaj's Chanchal Kumar. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is contesting from Tarapur, where he will compete against RJD's Arun Kumar Sah and others, making it a multi-cornered contest.

The Mokama constituency has gained attention due to the recent murder of gangster-turned-politician Dular Chand Yadav, which has raised concerns about gang violence. JD(U)'s Anant Singh, who is linked to the incident, is up against RJD's Veena Devi in a high-stakes battle.

Folk singer Maithili Thakur is representing the BJP from Ali Nagar in Darbhanga, facing RJD's Vinod Mishra. Bhojpuri star Khesari Lal Yadav is contesting from Chhapra against BJP's Chhoti Kumari and Independent Rakhi Gupta. In Lakhisarai, Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha seeks a third consecutive win against Congress's Amresh Kumar.

The campaigning for this phase concluded on Tuesday, with leaders from various parties engaging in intense rallies and debates. Voting for the remaining 122 constituencies will take place on November 11, with results expected on November 14. The outcome of this election will be closely watched as it could shape the political landscape in Bihar for years to come.