BIHAR ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS 2025

BIHAR ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS 2025

1-NOV-ENG 17

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------The Bihar Assembly elections have emerged as a significant event in Indian politics, with voting taking place in two phases for a total of 243 seats. The first phase will be held on November 6 and the second on November 11, with results declared on November 14. Bihar has a total electorate of approximately 74.3 million, including both men and women. The main contest in this election is between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Grand Alliance, whose political battle is centered around development and social equity.

The NDA is led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who is emphasizing the achievements of his 'double-engine' government model, such as roads, electricity, water, and industrial investment. The NDA comprises the BJP, JD(U), LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM, and other parties. The BJP's strength is based on its organization, Hindutva appeal, and central government welfare schemes such as Ujjwala and Ayushman Bharat. Nitish Kumar's JDU, a party led by the Janata Dal (United), has maintained a strong base of Kurmi-Koeri, Other Backward Classes (EBC), and Mahadalit voters by relying on caste-based alliances. The opposition Grand Alliance includes the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the Congress, and the Communist Party of India, among other parties. Led by Tejashwi Yadav, this alliance has entered the electoral fray on issues such as unemployment, migration, and social justice. Tejashwi Yadav's youth- and employment-focused policies are particularly appealing to urban and rural youth.

Development, employment, education, law and order, food security, inflation, and farmer welfare are key issues in the Bihar elections. While the NDA is claiming victory on the issue of development, the Grand Alliance is launching a political attack on unemployment and migration. Both parties have made significant promises in their manifestos for job creation, women's empowerment, agricultural development, and infrastructure expansion.

The political temperature in Bihar has also risen significantly ahead of the elections. The murder of ASI Anirudh Kumar in Siwan, which occurred hours after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's rally, has created a sensation. This incident has further heated up the election campaign. Yogi Adityanath has targeted the opposition RJD and other parties, linking the murder to the return of jungle raj.

Caste equations have always been crucial in Bihar politics. The "4Cs"—Caste, Candidate, Cash, and Coordination—are playing a key role in this election. Despite Nitish Kumar's popularity, the NDA has adopted a strategy of forming new alliances with allies, while the Grand Alliance is strengthening its strength with Tejashwi Yadav's youth appeal and a coalition of fighters. Meanwhile, the entry of renowned political strategist Prashant Kishore's party, "Jansuraj," has disturbed the political elites, and the massive crowds he has attracted have once again captured everyone's attention. As a result, Prashant Kishore's election promise of 10 seats or more than 150 has forced the public to reflect. It remains to be seen how much the crowds at election rallies can be converted into votes; this will only be determined after the voting.

Recent surveys and opinion polls indicate that the NDA is likely to gain an edge in this election. Most polls predict the NDA winning 150 to 160 seats, while the Grand Alliance may be limited to 70 to 85 seats. Other parties (including Jansuraj) and independents may win approximately 9 to 12 seats. However, the final outcome will depend on the voting, and the election bugle has already been sounded.

Nitish Kumar is talking about ushering in a new era for Bihar by promising industrial projects such as a tech city, a food park, and semiconductor manufacturing in his manifesto. Meanwhile, Tejashwi Yadav is talking about introducing an act to ensure government jobs for youth and increasing employment. The promises and plans of both alliances will define the direction of Bihar's socio-economic development.

The Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 are not only a political contest, but also a test of development, social justice, employment, and good governance. Voters will decide based on changing societal issues, caste dynamics, and the aspirations of the youth. The election results could usher in a new chapter in Bihar politics, shaping the state's future. However, the truth is that Bihar's politics is a remarkable example of the interplay of strategies, alliances, and social dynamics, a challenge that the entire country is watching. The election results will be announced on November 14th, deciding who will lead Bihar for the next five years.