Jitan Ram Majhi attacks Nitish Kumar on liquor ban

In a direct contest, the ruling NDA and the opposition Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) have fielded candidates belonging to the Mushahar Dalit community, considered among the most deprived and marginalised sections of society.

For the first time in three decades, the BJP candidate is not contesting the polls as the seat went to its ally JD-U this time under the seat-sharing formula.

The reserved constituency of Gaya is considered the stronghold of the BJP. The party has won the seat four times in the last 20 years - in 1998, 1999, 2009 and 2014.