The intense month-long campaign battle for Bihar's second and final phase of assembly elections concluded on Sunday, setting the stage for a crucial electoral contest that will determine the political future of the state. The high-voltage campaigning officially ended at 6 PM, marking the finish line for political rivals who left no stone unturned in their quest for power.
Massive Electoral Exercise Ahead
An impressive 3.70 crore voters are now poised to exercise their franchise across 45,399 polling stations on November 11. These voters will determine the political destiny of 1,302 candidates competing across 122 constituencies. The first phase of elections held on November 6 recorded a healthy voter turnout of 65.08%, setting a positive precedent for the final phase.
The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and opposition INDIA bloc made frantic last-minute efforts to woo voters as the campaign deadline approached. Both alliances deployed their top leadership and resources in a bid to maximize their electoral prospects.
Key Constituencies and Candidates
Several high-profile constituencies are in focus during this phase. In Gaya Town, Cooperative Minister Prem Kumar is attempting to secure a remarkable ninth consecutive term. Bettiah constituency features Animal Husbandry Minister Renu Devi in the electoral fray, while Minority Welfare Minister Zama Khan aims for re-election from Chainpur.
Other significant contests include Chakai, where Science and Technology Minister Sumit Kumar Singh is contesting; Amarpur in Banka district featuring Building Construction Minister Jayant Raj; Chhatapur with PHED Minister Neeraj Kumar Singh Babloo in the race; and Jamui, where BJP MLA and sportsperson Shreyasi Singh seeks another term.
Final Day Campaigning Frenzy
The concluding day of campaigning witnessed unprecedented political activity with top leaders crisscrossing the state. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi led the charge with high-voltage rallies that drew substantial crowds.
Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, the INDIA bloc's chief ministerial face and Leader of Opposition in Bihar assembly, addressed an impressive 16 rallies on the final day, demonstrating the opposition's determined push. Rahul Gandhi focused his campaign efforts in Kishanganj and Purnia districts within the Seemanchal region, which boasts a significant Muslim population considered crucial for the opposition's electoral arithmetic.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaign served as the centerpiece of NDA's electoral strategy, with the PM addressing 14 rallies and a roadshow across various regions of Bihar. In a significant development, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra made her electoral debut in Bihar, conducting an energetic campaign that included 10 rallies and a roadshow, though one event had to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.
Multi-State Campaign Support
The BJP's campaign machinery featured several party heavyweights including president J P Nadda, Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and prominent regional leaders such as Yogi Adityanath, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Mohan Yadav. The party also leveraged the popularity of actor-turned-politicians Ravi Kishan and Manoj Tiwari to attract voters.
Adding to the cross-state support, NDA leaders from outside Bihar including Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh joined the campaign trail to bolster the alliance's prospects.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the JD(U) president seeking a fifth consecutive term, maintained a relatively quieter but steady campaign presence. Despite speculation about his health and whispers of strain within the ruling alliance, Nitish continued addressing rallies and conducting impromptu roadshows, demonstrating his commitment to the electoral battle.
With campaigning now complete, all eyes turn to November 11 when millions of voters will cast their ballots, followed by vote counting on November 14 that will ultimately determine Bihar's political landscape for the coming years.
