Patna:
The first phase of elections in Bihar has begun. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been widely credited with cleaning up the law and order situation and boosting development. But now it's time for the electorate to pass its verdict on his performance.
For Nitish Kumar, Assembly election 2010 could be a decisive turnaround. His five-year rule has been identified with the transformation of Bihar.
If the JD(U)-BJP combine wins under his leadership, it will be an unprecedented turning away from caste ties to a mandate for development.
Also a shot in the arm for ally BJP, desperate for a national spotlight.
"For so many years, different parties have ruled Bihar. Yet nothing changed here. If you voted for these parties, won't you vote for me?" asked Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister, Bihar.
For Nitish Kumar's arch rival Lalu Yadav, this election is all about regaining lost ground. After his party's drubbing at the hands of the BJP-JD(U) combine in last year's Lok Sabha polls, many say this is a make-or-break election for the man who, along with his wife Rabri Devi, ruled Bihar for 15 years.
Once his thunderous rallies only played to the caste plank, today even he has read the writing on the wall.
"No one can deny my work as railway minister," said Lalu Yadav, Rashtriya Janata Dal president.
Finally, there is the Congress pushing for a revival claiming a share in the development pie and hoping that Rahul will be able to work his UP magic yet again.
"All development in Bihar has been fuelled by funds from the Centre," said Sonia Gandhi, All-India Congress president.
One key concern for the contenders: The fallout of the Ayodhya verdict.
The BJP's visible win and Congress' muted response has upset the sizeable Muslim vote bank.
Now, just hours to go for wheel of verdict to start turning.