Modi’s party confronts a critical test in state elections
Bihar Votes in Crucial State Election, Modi’s Party Faces Key Test
Patna — Voting has begun in the eastern Indian state of Bihar, where more than 74 million people are eligible to cast their ballots in a highly anticipated election. The contest is seen as a precursor to several important state elections across India and is being closely watched as a measure of the political strength of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a state where it has historically struggled to secure a majority on its own.
Voters will elect representatives for 243 Assembly seats in a two-phase election, with the counting of votes scheduled for 14 November. The stakes are particularly high, as the outcome will determine the next government in one of India’s most populous and politically influential states. Bihar’s election carries national significance because it reflects the mood of voters in a region that has often set the tone for broader political trends.
The election comes in the wake of a controversial revision of electoral rolls, which the opposition has alleged could exclude genuine voters and give an advantage to the BJP. Authorities, including the Election Commission of India, have denied these allegations, asserting that the revision process was conducted fairly and transparently. Nevertheless, the controversy has added a layer of tension to the electoral process, with opposition parties calling for vigilance to ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their democratic right.
Bihar is one of India’s poorest states, with millions of residents migrating to other states in search of employment. The economic challenges in the state, coupled with social inequalities, make development and governance a central issue in the election campaign. While the BJP has made significant inroads nationally, Bihar remains a state where the party has not yet managed to form a government independently. This election is thus a critical test for Modi’s political influence in the region.
The outgoing government is a coalition between the BJP and the regional Janata Dal (United), or JD(U). Both parties are contesting the elections together, hoping to retain power. The main opposition, the Congress party, has forged an alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and several smaller regional parties, forming a united front aimed at challenging the incumbent alliance. Political analysts suggest that voter turnout, alliance dynamics, and local issues such as development, employment, and law and order will play a decisive role in the election outcome.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the race is the entry of a new political party led by Prashant Kishor, a prominent political strategist who has previously worked with both the BJP and Congress. Kishor’s party seeks to position itself as a third alternative, appealing to voters disillusioned with traditional alliances and long-standing political rivalries. The presence of a new contender could influence vote shares and potentially alter the traditional political equations in the state.
The election is also notable as it may be the last to see active participation from two veteran leaders who have shaped Bihar’s politics for nearly four decades — JD(U)’s Nitish Kumar and RJD’s Lalu Prasad Yadav. Both leaders are reported to be in declining health, yet their influence continues to loom large in the state. Over the years, the two rivals have occasionally joined hands to maintain power, despite deep-seated differences, and their political legacy remains a defining factor in Bihar’s electoral landscape.
As voters across Bihar head to the polling booths, political parties are leaving no stone unturned in mobilizing support. The election will not only decide the next government in Bihar but also serve as a key indicator of the political mood in one of India’s most complex and competitive states. The eyes of the nation are on Bihar as it undertakes this democratic exercise, reflecting both the challenges and vibrancy of India’s electoral democracy.