Bihar – Among 121 of Bihar’s 243 constituencies, the state assembly elections began at 7 a.m. today. The polling percentage reached 25.11% at 11 a.m., with the highest turnout recorded in Begusarai district (30.37%), according to Bihar’s Chief Electoral Officer. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav cast his vote at 11 a.m. with his family in Patna constituency. RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, Union minister Giriraj Singh and several other prominent political figures have cast their votes in this election.

The voting will continue till 5 p.m. across 45,341 polling stations. So far, Patna constituency has witnessed the lowest voter turnout so far – 23.71%. Union minister Chirag Paswan also cast his vote in Khagaria at 12:35 a.m. According to sources, Chairag Paswan said, “I have fulfilled my responsibility by casting my vote, and I would like every person to do the same to elect a government of their choice.” He further went on to remind the people of Bihar that the Mahagatbandhan raised the issue of SIR as an “excuse.”. “They make an issue of SIR, Rahul ji keeps holding press conferences every day, if so much wrong is happening, then why don’t they go to the court?”

Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar told Bihar residents to “vote for their issues, for the future of their children, for jobs, food, house, education…” and so on. Focusing on the SIR issue, he said, “He (Rahul Gandhi) has not only raised questions but also presented evidence for the same…Had they been working properly, 22 votes would not have been there for a Brazilian model. This is a big question...A Govt that forms with 'Vote Chori' will not do anything properly..." This election is going to test the strength of the opposition Mahagatbandhan against the ruling NDA. Will SIR issue make any difference, or will unemployment, education become key issues in this election? Time will tell.