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The high-stakes Bihar Assembly election results will be declared today, marking the culmination of a fiercely contested battle between veteran leader Nitish Kumar and rising star Tejashwi Yadav. With exit polls hinting at a close fight, Bihar awaits a verdict that could reshape its political future.
Nitish Kumar’s Bid for a 7th Term: Strengths & Challenges
Nitish Kumar, Bihar’s incumbent CM and JD(U) chief, has built his campaign on his governance record—branding himself as “Sushasan Babu” (Mr. Good Governance). His tenure has seen infrastructure growth, women’s empowerment schemes (like 35% reservation), and improved law and order. Partnering with the BJP, the NDA alliance aims to leverage its organizational strength and caste coalition (upper castes, EBCs, and Dalits).
Yet, anti-incumbency looms large. Critics highlight unemployment, migration crises, and dissatisfaction among youth. Will Nitish’s experience outweigh these challenges?
Tejashwi Yadav’s Jobs Promise & the RJD’s Gambit
Tejashwi Yadav, leader of the RJD and face of the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), has centered his campaign on “10 lakh jobs”—a direct appeal to Bihar’s restless youth. His rallies energized core vote banks (Yadavs, Muslims) and drew support from OBCs disenchanted with Nitish.
The RJD-led alliance (with Congress and Left) accuses the NDA of failing on employment and welfare. But does Tejashwi have the caste arithmetic and ground machinery to unseat Nitish?
4 Key Deciding Factors
- Caste Dynamics: NDA relies on upper castes + EBCs; Mahagathbandhan targets Yadavs, Muslims, and OBCs. Swing votes from Dusadhs and Paswans could tip scales.
- Minority Vote: Muslims (16% of Bihar) are pivotal. High turnout suggests polarization—will they back Tejashwi overwhelmingly?
- COVID-19 & Migrant Crisis: Nitish’s handling of the migrant exodus drew flak. Tejashwi’s rehabilitation promises may sway rural voters.
- Last-Mile BJP Push: The BJP’s grassroots network and PM Modi’s rallies might bolster NDA’s numbers.
Exit Polls & Predictions
Polls project a hung assembly, with slight NDA edges in most surveys. However, Tejashwi’s momentum and Nitish’s resilience make this Bihar’s most unpredictable verdict in years.
Why This Election Matters
- A Nitish win cements his legacy and strengthens NDA for 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
- A Tejashwi victory could herald a youth-driven shift and revive opposition unity nationally.
Live Updates & Results
Follow NextMinuteNews for real-time results, analysis, and breaking news as Bihar decides its fate!
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