As Bihar stands on the brink of a crucial political verdict, leaders of the opposition INDIA alliance displayed remarkable composure and confidence on the eve of the assembly poll results that will determine the fate of candidates who campaigned vigorously across the state.
Strategic Calculations and Temple Visits
While some political leaders preferred to remain indoors, meticulously analyzing ground reports and voter feedback, others sought divine intervention at various temples, offering ladoos as prayers for electoral success. The contrasting approaches highlighted the tension and anticipation surrounding the outcome that will shape Bihar's political landscape for the coming years.
Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, the RJD's star campaigner and the opposition's chief ministerial face, spent the decisive day at his official residence located at 1, Polo Road in Patna. According to insider accounts, he remained actively engaged in receiving constant updates from different districts while simultaneously making his own calculations alongside party MPs Manoj Jha and Sanjay Yadav.
Confident Mood at RJD Camp
A senior RJD leader revealed interesting details about Tejashwi's demeanor, stating, "Tejashwi ji is fully confident of victory and was in a relaxed mood at home on the eve of counting. We found him doing 'jod-ghatao' (mathematical calculations) on a piece of paper." The leader further added that whenever visitors came to meet him, Yadav inquired about their own assessments and projections, with everyone willingly sharing their numbers and observations.
However, political observers noted a significant symbolic change that caught many eyes - the removal of a large board identifying Tejashwi as the 'leader of opposition' from outside his bungalow. This move sparked speculation among analysts, with one commenting, "Maybe Tejashwi is overconfident of taking the oath and hence he removed it."
Adding to the unusual quietness, Tejashwi's social media platforms remained uncharacteristically silent throughout the day, though the RJD's official X handle did mention an incident involving a truck carrying empty trunk boxes entering a counting centre in Sasaram, suggesting preparations for potential victory.
RJD Headquarters Buzzing with Activity
Meanwhile, at the RJD headquarters situated on Beerchand Patel Road in Patna, the atmosphere was markedly different with heightened activity as party leaders gathered in groups, deeply engaged in their own projections and calculations. The energy reflected a mix of anticipation and confidence about the impending results.
When questioned about the contrast between the RJD's relatively low-key preparations and the NDA's visibly celebratory mood, party spokesperson Mritunjay Tiwari delivered a sharp retort: "Wo mithai banate hi rah jayenge, ham sarkar banane ja rahe hain (Let them prepare sweets, we are going to form the govt)." This statement underscored the underlying confidence within the opposition camp despite external perceptions.
Allies Follow Similar Pattern
The confidence appeared to extend to other INDIA bloc partners as well. Mukesh Sahani, VIP founder and the alliance's declared deputy chief ministerial face, began his day with a visit to a Lord Hanuman temple early in the morning, where he offered ladoos seeking blessings for positive results. According to a party spokesperson, "He visited the temple in the morning and took rest at home since he is partly unwell... But he was relaxed," indicating a similar composed approach among other key opposition figures.
As counting day approaches, the political atmosphere in Bihar remains charged with anticipation, with the INDIA bloc's demonstrated confidence setting the stage for what promises to be a closely watched and potentially transformative electoral outcome for the state.
