For the next 38 days, all eyes across the nation will focus on Bihar. This is the Bihar that Mahatma Gandhi acknowledged as the place where he first understood India through Champaran. Recently, the dates for Bihar's assembly elections were announced, clarifying that the decisions will be concluded by November 14. Notably, Bihar will witness elections in two phases after four decades.
This election's outcome will not just determine a state's leadership but will also reflect the results of Operation Sindoor, GST reforms, and opposition's issues such as vote theft. Before diving into the electoral dynamics, let's explore the factors influencing victory in Bihar and who holds the significant advantage...
10 Key Highlights of Bihar's Election
Now, let's delve into ten pivotal points outlined by the Election Commission. A total of 90,712 polling stations have been established, each accommodating no more than 1200 voters. webcasting will be implemented at all polling stations. Candidates' colorful photos will appear on EVMs. Voters can carry mobile phones up to the booths. Polling agents will be seated 100 meters away from the booth centers. Serial numbers will be prominently displayed on ballot papers. Booth numbers will be clearly indicated on voter slips. If form 17c and EVM data are unavailable, VVPAT counting will be mandatory. Real-time voter turnout will be recorded every two hours on ECINET.
Focus on Assembly Election Outcomes
Following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the results of five states' assembly elections between the NDA and the India alliance have been three to two. The NDA claimed victories in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Delhi, while the India alliance succeeded in Jammu Kashmir and Jharkhand. On November 14, Bihar's election will not just appoint a state chief minister but also determine many political destinies.
Nitish Kumar-
A chance to become CM for the record-breaking 10th time.
Narendra Modi-
An opportunity to counter the opposition's narratives of vote theft and potentially install a party CM in Bihar for the first time.
Tejashwi Yadav-
A chance to ascend to power, breaking a 20-year hiatus.
Rahul Gandhi-
An opportunity to validate his stance on vote theft issues with electoral approval.
Prashant Kishor-
An assessment of PK's political strategy— will it cut votes or make him a kingmaker?
Chirag Paswan-
A chance to strengthen his party's presence in Bihar.
Manjhi, Kushwaha, Sahni-
An opportunity to expand their party and political influence.
Owaisi-
Can he replicate his 2020 strategy on the Muslim vote?
Viewing Bihar's election through the lens of just a state election would be misleading. This election will also decide on three national issues. Is this the first election after the opposition's vote theft campaigns? It is the first election after Operation Sindoor and the first post-GST reform relief for citizens?
Nitish's Real Test
As Bihar heads to the polls on November 6 and 11 across 243 seats, much attention will focus on Nitish Kumar's position during the results. Tejashwi Yadav continually questions Nitish Kumar's health, and this election might determine the strength of Nitish's political power.
Internal Conflict of Lalu's Family
This election may also shed light on the extent of the Mahabharata-like rift within Lalu's family and its impact on the battle of Pataliputra. Tej Pratap launched his own party, while sister Rohini Acharya questions her brother's campaign leadership. Will Bihar's women decide the outcome, as there are 3 crore 92 lakh male voters and 3 crore 49 lakh female voters? Nitish's government has already deposited 10,000 rupees into 1 crore 21 lakh women's accounts, countering the opposition's election promise of 2,500 rupees per month.
Amid numerous factors, the next eleven days are crucial as October 17 marks the deadline for the first phase nominations. Before this, the seat-sharing equations must become distinctly clear.
