On the eve of Bihar assembly elections, Urdu newspapers intensified their reporting on the fierce contest between the ruling NDA and the Opposition Mahagathbandhan, with Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj emerging as a potential game-changer. The dailies covered everything from roadshows and rallies to manifestos and press conferences. Siasat criticized the NDA's focus on invoking Lalu Prasad's "jungle raj" while questioning the government's own 20-year record under Nitish Kumar. The paper argued that Bihar remains the poorest and most backward state despite decades of NDA rule. Qaumi Tanzeem highlighted controversy surrounding the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across multiple states, raising concerns about alleged voter disenfranchisement. Opposition parties in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal have formed a united front against this exercise. Meanwhile, Munsif praised Kerala's LDF government for declaring the state free from extreme poverty, calling it a historic achievement. The paper urged other states to follow Kerala's example while questioning whether India's claims of poverty reduction are backed by reliable data. The editorials reflected concerns about development, governance, and electoral integrity across Indian states.
Kerala's Poverty Eradication Claims Draw Attention
The Hyderabad-based Munsif highlighted Kerala's announcement of becoming the first Indian state to eradicate extreme poverty, describing it as historic given India's struggle with poverty 78 years after Independence. The paper suggested international agencies like the UN Development Programme or World Bank should verify this claim, noting that the Opposition UDF has questioned it. The editorial criticized India's failure to eliminate poverty despite aiming to become the world's third-largest economy. It pointed out that 80 crore people still depend on free ration. According to Niti Aayog's 2023 report, 14.96% of Indians face multidimensional poverty. The LDF government launched a targeted four-year programme in May 2021 to empower 59,000 families facing deprivations. The daily urged other states to replicate Kerala's approach.
Electoral Roll Revision Sparks Opposition Unity
Qaumi Tanzeem from Patna reported on the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in 12 states and Union Territories, including poll-bound Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. The Supreme Court has repeatedly intervened in Bihar's SIR case. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi first raised "vote chori" concerns in Maharashtra, where seven Opposition parties formed a united front to protest alleged anomalies in voter lists. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin accused the EC and BJP of plotting to disenfranchise women, Dalits, and minorities, calling it a "hasty and opaque exercise." West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee also opposed the move. The paper predicted intensified Opposition consolidation after Bihar polls, potentially creating challenges for BJP's southern expansion.
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