This special report covers the high-stakes first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, marked by intense political rhetoric and allegations of electoral malpractice. The Mahagathbandhan, led by Tejashwi Yadav, has accused the ruling NDA of perpetuating a ‘jungle raj’, a charge the NDA vehemently denies. A senior Congress leader added a new dimension to the controversy by stating, ‘Painsath lock vote aapke Kate Hain Bihar Mein pesath Laakh vote’ (‘Sixty-five lakh of your votes have been cut in Bihar, sixty-five lakh votes’). This claim, echoing allegations made by Rahul Gandhi about a systematic ‘Operation Sarkar Chori’ (Operation Government Theft), has intensified the conflict with the Election Commission. Meanwhile, on the ground, BJP candidate Maithili Thakur reported booth irregularities and alleged voter intimidation, adding to the day’s tensions.