Campaigning for the second and final phase of the Bihar Assembly elections concluded on Sunday. On November 11, voters in 122 constituencies across Mithila, Kosi, western Bihar, Magadh, Angika, and Seemanchal regions will head to polling stations. The first phase on November 6 covered 121 seats and recorded a turnout of 64.66 per cent, surpassing previous elections. Vote counting is scheduled for November 14. The ruling NDA, led by Nitish Kumar, aims to retain power, while the opposition RJD and Congress seek to end Kumar's nearly two-decade tenure as Chief Minister. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav is contesting to break his party's electoral losses. For BJP, Bihar is crucial after its underwhelming Lok Sabha performance in 2024. The final campaign day featured rallies by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and Tejashwi, who turned 36 on the same day. Leaders made competing claims about infiltration, vote theft, and development promises.
Key Leaders Make Final Campaign Push
On the last day of campaigning, Amit Shah addressed rallies in Sasaram and Arwal, accusing the opposition of building a "corridor for infiltrators" and contrasting it with the government's industrial initiatives. He also highlighted security achievements under the current regime and referenced the Ram temple construction. Rahul Gandhi, speaking in Kishanganj, reiterated allegations of vote theft and urged citizens to remain vigilant at polling stations. He claimed the opposition alliance would form the government if vote manipulation was prevented. Gandhi also accused the BJP and RSS of pursuing divisive policies to distract from alleged electoral misconduct and blamed government policies for poor employment generation in Bihar.
High Stakes for All Political Parties
This election holds significant importance for all parties. For Nitish Kumar, it could be his final electoral contest as he seeks another term. The BJP hopes to emerge as the single largest party to restore dominance after disappointing results in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where Bihar's turnout was 57.28 per cent. Tejashwi Yadav, celebrating his birthday during the campaign, promised to deliver on commitments within 20 months, including government jobs, increased social security pensions to Rs 1,500, free electricity for farmers, and Rs 30,000 under the proposed Maai Bahan Maan scheme. He challenged the combined efforts of central agencies and the state government against him. All eyes remain on the Seemanchal region, known for higher voter turnout historically.
Source: Link