Voting is underway in the eastern Indian state of Bihar, where over 74 million eligible voters are participating in a critical election that serves as a key indicator for upcoming state polls across the country. The election is being conducted in two phases to fill 243 seats in the state legislative assembly. The first phase of voting took place recently in 18 districts, with the second phase scheduled for 11 November. The results of the election are expected to be announced on 14 November.
Bihar’s elections are drawing significant attention not only because of the sheer size of its electorate but also due to the political dynamics and controversies surrounding the process. In the lead-up to the polls, the Election Commission of India undertook a revision of the electoral rolls, releasing a list of 74.2 million voters while removing approximately 4.7 million names. This move sparked accusations from opposition parties alleging that the revision was designed to exclude legitimate voters, particularly from the Muslim community, in order to benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led nationally by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both the BJP and the Election Commission have denied these allegations, maintaining that the revision was a routine exercise aimed at cleaning the voter list.
On polling day, voter turnout was brisk, with long lines reported throughout the day at numerous polling stations. The Election Commission recorded a turnout of 53.77% by 4 PM local time, reflecting strong public engagement. In many areas, special arrangements were made to facilitate voting. For instance, in several districts, electric three-wheelers were provided by the district administration to transport elderly and disabled voters to polling booths. In one touching example from Alipur district, a 70-year-old woman who was unwell was carried on a cot by her family members to ensure she could cast her vote. Such scenes underscored the determination of voters to participate in the democratic process despite challenges.
The polling stations themselves were often festively decorated, with colorful balloons and makeshift tents set up to provide shade and rest for waiting voters. In districts like Siwan, Darbhanga, and Begusarai, local officials even created “selfie points” where voters could take photographs to commemorate their participation, reflecting a blend of traditional democratic exercise and modern social engagement.
Bihar is one of India’s poorest and most populous states, with a large portion of its population migrating to other states in search of employment. Politically, it remains a battleground. The BJP, despite its dominance at the national level, has never managed to form a government in Bihar on its own. Currently, the state government is a coalition between the BJP and the Janata Dal (United), or JD(U). This alliance is contesting the election together once again. On the other side, the main opposition Congress party has allied with the regional Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and several smaller parties to challenge the ruling coalition.
This election also marks the entry of a new political force led by Prashant Kishor, a political strategist who has previously worked with both the BJP and Congress parties. Kishor’s party is seeking to disrupt the traditional bipolar contest in Bihar and emerge as a significant player in the state’s politics.
The election is notable for possibly being the last one involving two towering figures who have shaped Bihar’s political landscape for nearly four decades: Nitish Kumar of JD(U) and Lalu Prasad Yadav of the RJD. Both leaders are reportedly in poor health but remain central to their parties’ campaigns. Nitish Kumar, the incumbent chief minister, has been a dominant figure in Bihar politics, governing for much of the past twenty years. He is a key ally of the BJP and played a pivotal role in helping Modi’s party form the federal government in the 2024 national elections.
Lalu Prasad Yadav, who served as Bihar’s chief minister from 1990 to 1997, is known for his charismatic and colorful personality. He gained prominence as a champion of marginalized caste groups, significantly altering the state’s political dynamics. However, his tenure was also marred by allegations of corruption and misrule, leading to his conviction in several cases. Currently out on bail, Lalu Yadav continues to influence politics through his party, the RJD. His son, Tejashwi Yadav, has been projected as the chief ministerial candidate for the opposition alliance, symbolizing a potential generational shift in leadership.
The electoral contest is not just about