As the counting day for Bihar Assembly elections approaches, an eerie silence has descended upon the political heart of Patna, marking a stark contrast to the month-long frenzied campaigning that preceded it. The offices of major political players - BJP, JD(U), and RJD - located within proximity on Beerchand Patel Path, wear a uniformly quiet look hours before the verdict that will determine Bihar's political future.
The Calm After Political Storm
The tranquil atmosphere outside party headquarters belies the intense political drama that unfolded just hours earlier. The silence became particularly pronounced after RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav issued a statement on social media platform X, asserting that the people of Bihar were "alert and fully capable... to deal with any kind of improper unconstitutional activity." This was followed by a warning from RJD leader Sunil Kumar Singh about a potential "Nepal-like situation... if counting was halted like in 2020."
The BJP was quick to capitalize on these statements, interpreting them as signs of opposition despair with the NDA poised to return to power. However, as night fell on November 13, 2025, the political temperature dropped significantly across all party offices.
Empty Corridors and Quiet Reflections
At the BJP office, the freshly painted orange main gate stood as the only vibrant element in an otherwise subdued setting. The paint had not yet dried, and the premises were largely empty except for a few party workers engaging with journalists. Around 8:45 PM, as activities wound down, guard Upendra Kumar from Sitamarhi sought permission to close the gates.
Kumar, whose family depends on agriculture back home, expressed his thoughts about the election outcome with cautious optimism. "Modi ji and Nitish ji really gave everything, from higher pensions to Rs 10,000 cash benefits for women entrepreneurs. If they had given something to farmers too, no one could've stopped them from winning," he reflected, highlighting what he perceived as a missed opportunity.
Living alone in the city, Kumar hoped for government-arranged small jobs in district blocks that would allow him to return home. "It's hard living alone. If you fall sick, there's no one to look after you," he shared, giving voice to the personal struggles behind the political spectacle.
Contrasting Scenes Across the Road
A few hundred meters away, the RJD office presented a picture of complete abandonment. The gate featured a massive padlock, with no security personnel in sight. A prominent poster of Tejashwi Yadav promised "Har wada poora karenge" (We will fulfil every promise), listing key commitments including the Mai Bahin Maan Yojana offering Rs 2,500 monthly assistance to women, increased pensions from Rs 400 to Rs 1,500, and 200 units of free electricity monthly.
Through the locked gate, bundles of bamboo poles - remnants of campaign tents that once buzzed with activity selling party merchandise - lay scattered across the premises.
In contrast, the JD(U) office showed signs of life around 9:30 PM. Three workers were busy erecting a tent, their activity drawing comments from passersby. One cyclist predicted "Sweets will be distributed here in the morning," while two pedestrians responded with "Chacha bye-bye, ab beta baithega gaddi pe" - a direct reference to Tejashwi Yadav's relationship with Nitish Kumar, whom he addresses as "chacha" (uncle).
The tent workers seemed confident about their party's prospects. One chuckled while gesturing toward the locked RJD office across the road: "He is not going anywhere, even the people on the other side of the road know that." This casual remark captured the prevailing sentiment hours before the counting would begin, setting the stage for what many anticipated would be a significant political transition in Bihar.
