Patna, Sep 16 (IANS): The filing of nomination papers for the first phase of Bihar assembly polls, slated to be held on October 12, began on Wednesday, an official said.

In the first phase, elections will be held in 49 of the 243 assembly constituencies.

"The process for the five-phase assembly elections in Bihar has begun," Additional Chief Electoral Officer R. Lakshamanan said here.

The last date for filing nominations for this phase is September 23. While the scrutiny of papers will be held on September 24, candidates can withdraw their nominations till September 26.

The constituencies going to polls in the first phase are in 10 districts of the state -- including Begusarai, Khagaria, Bhagalpur, Munger, Jamui and Samastipur.

The main contest is between the BJP-led NDA and the grand alliance of JD-U, RJD and the Congress.

Bihar will elect a new 243-seat assembly in the staggered polls that begin on October 12 and end on November 5. The counting of votes will be held on November 8.