Bihar is witnessing a crucial political battle today as the second and final phase of assembly elections unfolds across 122 constituencies. This decisive round comes after the first phase recorded a voter turnout of 65.08%, setting the stage for what could determine the state's next government.
Historical Context: 2020 Performance Analysis
Looking back at the 2020 assembly polls provides critical insights into today's electoral dynamics. The NDA coalition had established a comfortable lead in these 122 constituencies, securing 66 seats compared to the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan's 49 seats.
The BJP emerged as the dominant force in Phase 2 areas during the last elections, winning 42 seats with a 21.61% vote share. Their ally JD(U) captured 20 seats with 13.69% of votes, while Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) contributed 4 seats to the alliance's total.
On the opposition front, the RJD led the Mahagathbandhan with 33 seats and 22.43% vote share, the highest among major parties in these constituencies. Congress secured 11 seats, and CPI(M-L) Liberation won 5, bringing their coalition's total to 49 seats.
Current Electoral Landscape and Key Battles
This time, the seat distribution among NDA partners shows strategic adjustments. The BJP is contesting 53 seats, JD(U) 44, Chirag Paswan's LJP(RV) 15, HAM(S) 6, and Upendra Kushwaha's RLM 4 seats. Both BJP and JD(U) have reduced their candidacies compared to 2020 to accommodate alliance partners.
The Mahagathbandhan presents a different configuration, with RJD contesting 70 seats, Congress 37, Left parties 11, and VIP 7. However, five constituencies will witness friendly fights within the alliance due to unresolved seat-sharing negotiations.
Recent Lok Sabha elections data suggests the NDA led in 79 of these 122 segments, while the Mahagathbandhan managed leads in only 38 segments, indicating potential challenges for the opposition coalition.
Noteworthy Contests and Candidate Profiles
Several high-profile battles are capturing voter attention today. Former Deputy Chief Minister Renu Devi (BJP) faces Congress's Washi Ahmad in Bettiah, while another former Deputy CM Tarkishore Prasad (BJP) contests against VIP's Saurav Kumar Agarwal in Katihar.
Other significant contests include State Minority Affairs Minister Md Zama Khan (JD(U)) versus ex-minister Brij Kishor Bind (RJD) in Chainpur, and Commonwealth Games medal-winning shooter Shreyasi Singh (BJP) against RJD's Md Shamsad Alam in Jamui.
The electoral field also reveals concerning patterns regarding candidate backgrounds. 341 candidates (26%) face serious criminal cases, including charges of murder and crimes against women. Remarkably, 60% of the Phase 2 seats have at least three candidates with criminal backgrounds.
Financial disclosures show significant wealth among contestants, with LJP(RV) fielding 100% crorepati candidates and JD(U) close behind at 91%. VIP's Ran Kaushal Pratap Singh, contesting from Lauriya, leads as the richest candidate with declared assets worth Rs 369 crore.
As polling stations open across these border constituencies touching Nepal, West Bengal, and Jharkhand, political parties await verdicts that could reshape Bihar's political landscape for the next five years.
