By Kavita Mistry 
This special report focuses on the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, where polling occurred across 121 constituencies. Key themes emerging from the day include a significant voter turnout reported at 60.13% by 5 PM, the peaceful conduct of the election, and the prominent participation of women voters. A central question is what the high turnout signifies, as one analyst put it, ‘who does that benefit what is the messaging here is it a anti-incumbency is wings of change or is it a tick essentially for the Nitish model of governance.’ The election is a major test for the incumbent government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the opposition alliance. The results on November 14 will reveal whether the high participation signals a vote for change or an endorsement of the current leadership.