High-Stakes Battle in Bihar: By-Elections Amid Political Tensions

The by-elections in Bihar's Tarari, Imamganj, Belaganj, and Ramgarh assembly seats began with over 12 lakh voters deciding the fate of 38 candidates. The political contest involves key players like BJP and Jan Suraaj, with fresh challenges emerging for ruling coalitions in the region.

Bihar is witnessing high-stakes by-elections in the Tarari, Imamganj, Belaganj, and Ramgarh assembly seats, with polling commencing at 7 AM under stringent security arrangements. The decisive electoral battle, involving over 12 lakh voters, will close at 6 PM, although certain booths in Imamganj will shut earlier at 4 PM, according to an official source.

The electoral fray includes 38 candidates vying across 1,277 booths, the majority in rural areas. The Election Commission reports underline that more than half of eligible voters are women, including a significant number of senior citizens and third-gender participants.political dynamics unfold in the constituency, a noted Mahagathbandhan stronghold, results are anticipated on November 23.

The election landscape intensified when the Narendra Modi-led NDA, contesting the Tarari and Ramgarh seats, faced the new entry of Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj, which contests all four seats, poised to alter traditional voting patterns. Particularly in Imamganj, JD(U) leads with Deepa—wife of a local minister—while newcomer Vishwanath Kumar Singh represents RJD in Belaganj, countering challenges from Jan Suraaj's candidate.

(With inputs from agencies.)