Bihar Polls Campaign Concludes: Final Phase Voting on November 7
The high-voltage campaign for the Bihar Assembly elections ended on Thursday, paving the way for the decisive final phase of voting on November 7. Over the past month, the state witnessed an intense electoral battle between the NDA (BJP-JD(U)) and the opposition Mahagathbandhan (RJD-Congress-Left), with both alliances deploying top leaders and aggressive strategies to sway voters. Here’s a recap of the key moments and what to expect next.
High-Octane Campaign: Key Highlights
The election campaign was dominated by sharp political rhetoric, big promises, and heated debates.
- NDA’s Push: PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah led the charge, emphasizing development, governance, and Hindutva. CM Nitish Kumar relied on his “Sushasan Babu” (good governance) image.
- Opposition’s Counter: Tejashwi Yadav (RJD) centered his campaign on unemployment, promising 10 lakh government jobs, while Rahul Gandhi (Congress) targeted inflation and farmer distress.
Top Issues That Shaped the Bihar Elections
- Jobs & Migration Crisis – Unemployment and migrant worker struggles were focal points.
- Caste Dynamics – NDA banked on Nitish’s Kurmi-BJP’s upper-caste votes; Mahagathbandhan focused on Yadav-Muslim-Dalit unity.
- Law & Order – Opposition accused Nitish of failing on crime control; NDA defended its governance record.
- COVID-19 Impact – Economic recovery and relief measures were hotly debated.
Final Phase: Key Battlegrounds
The last phase covers 78 constituencies, including critical urban and semi-urban seats like Patna, Vaishali, and Samastipur. The BJP has historically performed well here, but the RJD-led alliance is hoping for a consolidation of minority and backward caste votes.
Exit Polls: A Tight Contest Ahead?
Early surveys suggest a close fight:
– Some predict an NDA edge due to Modi’s popularity and Nitish’s governance.
– Others indicate Mahagathbandhan gains, citing anti-incumbency and youth dissatisfaction.
What’s Next? Results on November 10
Counting begins on November 10, and a tight outcome could lead to post-poll alliances, with smaller parties like LJP or HAM playing a crucial role. The verdict will not only shape Bihar’s future but also influence national politics ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Stay updated with real-time results and analysis on NextMinuteNews!
