By | Arvind Jadhav
🟡 Alliances Take Final Shape
Patana: With the Election Commission announcing polling dates for November 6 and 11, political activity in Bihar has reached its peak. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has now finalized its seat-sharing arrangement — the BJP and JD(U) will contest 101 seats each, while smaller allies such as HAM, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha will share the remaining constituencies. This marks a rare instance where no party claims a “big brother” status in the coalition, symbolizing a tactical balance between Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the BJP leadership.
However, not everything is smooth within the NDA. Smaller allies like HAM and LJP (Ram Vilas) have expressed dissatisfaction over their limited seat allocations, warning that being sidelined could affect the NDA’s grassroots strength. Despite these rumblings, the alliance is projecting a united front, emphasizing development and stability under Nitish Kumar’s leadership.
🟡 Opposition Bloc Faces Its Own Challenges
On the other hand, the Mahagathbandhan (INDIA bloc) — led by RJD, Congress, and Left parties — is facing internal negotiations over seat distribution. The RJD continues to be the dominant partner, but smaller allies like the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) are pressing for more representation. Despite friction, opposition leaders maintain that their alliance remains intact and focused on defeating the NDA.
Meanwhile, Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party has announced that it will contest all 243 assembly seats independently, refusing to align with either major bloc. Kishor’s campaign, which positions itself as a “people’s movement,” is expected to attract young and first-time voters, especially in rural regions.
Adding to the shifting dynamics, two RJD legislators recently resigned from the Assembly and are reportedly set to join the JD(U), giving the ruling camp a morale boost ahead of the polls.
🟡 Allegations and Political Fireworks
The campaign season has also been marred by allegations and counter-allegations. The Congress, CPI, and other opposition parties have accused the Election Commission of India of bias during the voter list revision process, alleging that around 65 lakh voter names were deleted under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. They have called it a “well-planned conspiracy” to manipulate the electoral rolls and disenfranchise marginalized voters.
In response, the Election Commission has strongly defended the process, insisting that the revision was essential for cleaning the rolls and ensuring transparency. It has also warned all political parties against using AI-generated deepfake videos or synthetic content that could mislead voters — a step that reflects growing concerns over digital misinformation in elections.
Meanwhile, the Congress has gone a step further, alleging a “gathbandhan between the BJP and the Election Commission,” questioning the timing and fairness of poll preparations. The BJP has dismissed these charges as baseless, calling them an attempt to deflect attention from the opposition’s internal chaos and leadership vacuum.
🟡 Campaigns and Key Promises
As the election battle heats up, employment and governance have emerged as central issues. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has reiterated his promise to bring an Act ensuring at least one government job per family, alongside plans to boost industrial development and skill training. In contrast, the NDA is focusing its campaign on law and order, women’s empowerment, and welfare schemes, claiming that Nitish Kumar’s model of governance has transformed Bihar’s infrastructure and rural economy.
Smaller regional parties are attempting to carve out their own identity amid this high-stakes contest, targeting local grievances such as caste representation, reservation, and rising prices. AIMIM has released its first list of 32 candidates, signaling its intent to contest strongly in minority-dominated constituencies.
🟡 Bihar Awaits Its Political Turning Point
With less than a month left for polling, Bihar’s political battlefield is witnessing both consolidation and confusion. Both the NDA and INDIA bloc are working to finalize their candidate lists, while opposition leaders plan a joint campaign against the ruling coalition. As accusations continue to fly and alliances undergo last-minute adjustments, the 2025 Bihar elections are shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and closely watched contests in recent years.
