PATNA, Nov. 9 -- Ahead of the second phase of polling on November 11, the Kushwaha caste factor is set to play a key role in several constituencies across Aurangabad and Rohtas districts - particularly in Sasaram, Karghar, Dinara and Karakat - where the contest is largely between the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc candidates. In Sasaram, the poll battle is mainly between Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief Upendra Kushwaha's wife, Snehlata Kushwaha, and RJD nominee Satyendra Sah, who was arrested soon after filing his nomination in connection with an old case. Former MLA Ashok Kumar Kushwaha is also in the fray as a BSP candidate. Considered one of the constituencies dominated by the Kushwaha community, the stakes are high for both the RLM chief and the RJD, as victory here would help either side claim the backing of the influential OBC group. "The caste factor, especially which way the Kushwahas vote this time, will be interesting to watch. If there is a split, the results may spring a surprise like the Aurangabad Lok Sabha polls in 2024. This election is crucial for Upendra Kushwaha himself as his wife is contesting," said Ramji Prasad, a local farmer in Sasaram. He added that the RJD too is banking on both Kushwaha and Vaishya votes, having fielded Sah, who hails from the community. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Aurangabad seat - once considered a stronghold of upper castes, mainly Rajputs - was won by RJD's Abhaya Kushwaha, marking a major setback for Upendra Kushwaha, who had lost from Karakat. The seat was then won by CPI(ML) Liberation's Raja Ram Singh, with Bhojpuri singer-actor Pawan Singh finishing second. In Karghar, caste equations again dominate the scene, with Kurmi, Brahmin and Yadav voters holding the key. The contest has become more intriguing as the seat is among several where INDIA bloc partners are engaged in a 'friendly fight' - with the CPI fielding Mahendra Prasad Gupta against Congress's sitting MLA Mishra due to lack of seat-sharing understanding. Apart from Karghar, similar situations have emerged in Bachhwara, Rajapakar, Rosera and Bihar Sharif. Meanwhile, JD(U), a constituent of the NDA, and BSP's Uday Pratap Singh are also in the fray from Karghar. "Development issues notwithstanding, the contest has turned caste-centric, with every possibility of a split in Kurmi and other OBC votes, which may hurt both JD(U) and Congress candidates," said Rakesh Kumar Singh, a trader in the area. In Dinara, both Kushwaha and Kurmi caste equations are expected to play a decisive role. The RLM, a constituent of the NDA, has fielded Alok Kumar Singh against RJD's sitting MLA Rajesh Yadav. The contest has turned triangular with the entry of independent candidate Jai Kumar Singh, a former minister in the NDA government, who is contesting after the seat went to the RLM under NDA's seat-sharing arrangement. Locals say Kurmi-Koeri and Yadav votes will be crucial, while upper caste Bhumihars and Rajputs may also prove decisive. Other key seats witnessing close contests between the INDIA bloc and the NDA include Kutumba and Chenari....