The 2024 Bihar Assembly elections have kicked off with a staggering 74 million voters set to decide the fate of one of India’s most politically significant states. As Phase 1 voting begins, Bihar’s election is not just a state affair—it’s a barometer for national politics, shaping strategies ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Battleground Bihar: NDA vs. Mahagathbandhan
The contest features two major alliances:
– NDA (BJP + JD(U)): Incumbent CM Nitish Kumar seeks another term amid anti-incumbency.
– Mahagathbandhan (RJD + Congress + Left): Tejashwi Yadav’s promise of 10 lakh jobs targets Bihar’s unemployed youth.
The BJP aims to expand its influence, while RJD relies on its Muslim-Yadav-Dalit base. Smaller parties like VIP could tip the scales in a close race.
Top 4 Issues Shaping Bihar’s Election
- Jobs & Economy
- Bihar’s youth unemployment is a key concern. Tejashwi’s job promises clash with NDA’s infrastructure pitch.
- Caste Politics
- NDA courts upper castes & EBCs, while Mahagathbandhan mobilizes its traditional vote bank.
- Law & Order
- Rising crime and corruption allegations dent Nitish Kumar’s “Sushasan Babu” image.
- Migrant Crisis
- Both alliances vow better policies for migrants, but trust remains low post-COVID.
Why Bihar’s Verdict Matters Nationally
- A BJP win could solidify its Hindi heartland dominance.
- An RJD victory might galvanize opposition unity before 2024.
- Nitish Kumar’s survival tests the relevance of regional satraps vs. BJP’s centralization.
Key Dates & Predictions
- Voting: 3 phases (Oct 28 – Nov 7)
- Results: November 10
- Pollsters split between NDA edge and a hung assembly.
Follow for live updates and expert insights as Bihar writes its next political chapter.
