This special report focuses on the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, which saw a historic voter turnout of 64.66% across 121 constituencies, the highest in the state’s history. Key political figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial face, Tejashwi Yadav, are closely watching the results. Tejashwi Yadav claimed, ‘Today, Bihar has voted for change in the first phase.’ The election was marked by a significant and enthusiastic turnout of women voters, which could be a deciding factor in the outcome. While Prime Minister Modi asserted that the NDA has gained a ‘massive lead’ and a wave is visible in its favour, the opposition alliance interprets the high polling percentage as a vote for change. The 2020 Assembly polls, in comparison, had a voter turnout of 57.29%. All eyes are now on the counting of votes scheduled for November 14.