The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially announced the schedule for the Bihar Assembly elections, a pivotal political event in the state. The elections will be held in two phases: October 28, 2023, and November 4, 2023, with results declared on November 8, 2023. This sets the stage for a high-stakes contest between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance).
Bihar, with its 243 Assembly constituencies, is a politically significant state known for closely fought elections. The ECI has ensured strict COVID-19 guidelines for voter and official safety.
Phase 1: October 28, 2023
The first phase will cover 71 constituencies across 16 districts, including key areas like Gaya, Nawada, Aurangabad, Buxar, and Kaimur. This phase is crucial, with high-profile constituencies and intense campaigning on issues like unemployment and infrastructure.
Notable constituencies in Phase 1:
– Gaya Town
– Aurangabad
– Buxar
– Nawada
– Kaimur
Phase 2: November 4, 2023
The second phase will include 172 constituencies across 22 districts, covering politically significant regions like Patna, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, and Bhagalpur. This phase is expected to see fierce competition, with caste dynamics, farmer distress, and law and order dominating the discourse.
Notable constituencies in Phase 2:
– Patna Sahib
– Muzaffarpur
– Darbhanga
– Bhagalpur
– Vaishali
Key Players and Alliances
The elections feature a direct contest between the NDA (led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JDU and the BJP) and the Mahagathbandhan (comprising RJD, Congress, and Left parties). Nitish Kumar aims for another term, while Tejashwi Yadav leads the opposition. Smaller parties and independents could also influence the outcome.
COVID-19 Guidelines
The ECI has implemented strict COVID-19 measures, including mandatory masks, thermal screening, and hand sanitizers. Voters above 80 and those with disabilities can opt for postal ballots to avoid crowded polling stations.
What’s at Stake?
The Bihar elections are a battle for political power and a reflection of the state’s socio-economic aspirations. With over 120 million people, Bihar’s development is closely watched nationally. The results will also impact the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
As the election dates approach, political activity in Bihar intensifies. Stay tuned to NextMinuteNews for the latest updates, analysis, and insights on the Bihar Assembly elections.
