As Bihar awaited counting results on the eve of the election day, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav issued a statement warning against any unconstitutional activity, sparking fresh political tensions in Patna. The BJP interpreted these remarks as signs of Opposition despair, confident that the NDA would return to power. The election, held in two phases on November 6 and 11, saw a historic 67.13% voter turnout. Both Tejashwi Yadav, 36, and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, 74, led vigorous campaigns for their respective alliances. Tejashwi, declared the Mahagathbandhan's CM candidate, held 171 public meetings, focusing on unemployment and promising government jobs. Nitish conducted 84 campaign events highlighting development achievements. The Election Commission announced counting would begin at 8 am on Friday, starting with postal ballots before moving to EVM counts.
Campaign Intensity and Key Leaders
Tejashwi Yadav emerged as the most visible campaigner, addressing 171 rallies, sometimes 18 in a single day. He promised change and one government job per family while focusing on youth issues and unemployment. Nitish Kumar, despite health concerns, held 84 events including 11 roadshows, emphasizing his government's development record and attacking the RJD's past "jungle raj." Chirag Paswan of LJP conducted 173 meetings, the highest among all leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held 14 rallies and two roadshows, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah conducted 36 public programmes. UP CM Yogi Adityanath addressed 30 meetings raising Hindutva and law-and-order themes.
Alliance Dynamics and Campaign Themes
The Mahagathbandhan's failure to announce formal seat-sharing exposed internal tensions. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed 15 rallies starting October 29, focusing on unemployment and inflation, but held only two joint rallies with Tejashwi. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra conducted around 13 meetings, none with Tejashwi. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav addressed 25 rallies, mostly for RJD, leveraging Yadav community support which forms 14.3% of Bihar's population. The NDA consistently attacked the Mahagathbandhan's stance on electoral roll revision, alleging bias towards illegal immigrants. The brief campaigning window following the October 6 announcement saw intense political activity across the state.
Source: Link