The Mahagathbandhan in Bihar has announced Tejashwi Yadav as its Chief Minister candidate and Mukesh Sahani as the Deputy Chief Minister face for the upcoming Assembly elections. Several Urdu dailies have interpreted this development as a potential game changer, suggesting it could consolidate support among backward classes, marginalised communities, and minorities. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the NDA's campaign with rallies in Samastipur and Begusarai, emphasising the coalition's bid under Nitish Kumar's leadership but stopping short of explicitly naming him as the Chief Minister candidate. This ambiguity has sparked comparisons with Maharashtra's Eknath Shinde, who was sidelined after the BJP secured more seats. Despite these dynamics, nine-time Chief Minister Nitish Kumar remains a significant player in the electoral contest. Separately, the Election Commission is rolling out a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls across 12 states and Union Territories, following Bihar's controversial exercise. The process, scheduled between November and February, has raised concerns about safeguarding genuine voters' rights, particularly from minority and marginalised sections.
NDA's CM candidate ambiguity raises concerns
During his campaign rallies in Samastipur and Begusarai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi maintained that the NDA would contest under Nitish Kumar's leadership but avoided explicitly naming him as the Chief Minister candidate. He praised Nitish's work yet emphasised an 'NDA sarkar' rather than a 'Nitish sarkar'. Observers drew parallels with Maharashtra, where Eknath Shinde led the campaign but was later replaced by Devendra Fadnavis as Chief Minister after the BJP won more seats. Similar concerns surround Nitish's future, with critics suggesting the BJP may apply the same formula in Bihar. Another comparison involves Madhya Pradesh, where Shivraj Singh Chouhan was replaced despite leading the BJP to victory in 2023.
Muslim representation and electoral roll revision debated
Muslims constitute 17-18% of Bihar's population and influence outcomes in about 38 Assembly seats, mainly in Seemanchal and Mithilanchal regions. Despite their electoral significance, Muslim leaders have historically remained underrepresented in power structures. In the 2015 polls, 24 Muslim MLAs were elected, yet none received the Deputy CM post. Tejashwi Yadav has indicated another Deputy CM face will be announced soon, prompting calls for equitable Muslim representation. Meanwhile, the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is underway across 12 states between November and February. Following Bihar's controversial revision, concerns persist about protecting genuine voters' rights, especially among minorities and marginalised communities.
Source: Link