Bihar MLC polls: 82.85% turnout in teachers seats; 53.42% in graduates constituencies

Bihar Legislative Council Elections: Internal Strife and Political Maneuvering

The biennial elections for eight seats of the Bihar Legislative Council, comprising four Graduates’ and four Teachers’ constituencies, concluded on October 23, 2026. With over 5.3 lakh voters eligible to participate across 933 polling stations, the exercise was a significant test for the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition, particularly in the context of shifting political alliances and internal party dynamics.

The Patna Graduates’ Constituency: A Focal Point of Conflict

The most high-profile contest centered on the Patna Graduates’ seat, where JD(U) MLC Neeraj Kumar sought a fourth consecutive term. The race gained national attention due to an open internal rebellion within the JD(U). Mokama MLA Anant Singh, a prominent figure, publicly declared his support for the Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) candidate, Anuj Kumar Singh, effectively opposing his own party’s nominee. Anant Singh justified this move by citing long-standing personal grievances, claiming Neeraj Kumar had consistently opposed him in previous Assembly elections.

Security and Procedural Conduct

Despite the high-stakes nature of the elections, officials reported that polling remained largely peaceful. Voting commenced at 8 a.m. and concluded by 4 p.m. Security measures were stringent, ensuring that the 150 candidates in the fray could compete without major disruptions. However, the process was not without controversy; the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) alleged that the police force in Patna had misused their authority to harass their candidate for the Teachers’ constituency, highlighting the intense pressure surrounding these polls.