Patna, November 10: The electoral fate of 1,302 candidates, including several ministers from the Nitish Kumar government, will be decided tomorrow as Bihar holds the second and final phase of its high-stakes assembly elections. A total of 3.7 crore eligible voters will cast their votes across 122 constituencies.
This phase is crucial for both the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc, as it represents a key test for their ability to maintain support among a diverse electorate with complex caste and community dynamics.
The districts going to the polls on November 11 include West Champaran, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, and Kishanganj, all of which border Nepal. Many of these districts are part of the Seemanchal region, which has a significant Muslim population. This makes the region a crucial battleground for both the INDIA bloc, which counts on minority support, and the NDA, which has accused the opposition of "protecting infiltrators."
To ensure smooth voting, security has been heightened across Bihar, with over 4 lakh personnel deployed for election duties.
Key Candidates and Contests
Among the prominent candidates in the fray is Bijendra Prasad Yadav, a senior JD(U) leader and the state's most senior cabinet member. He is vying for a record eighth term from Supaul. Similarly, BJP's Prem Kumar, who has held the Gaya Town seat for seven consecutive terms since 1990, is seeking re-election.
Other ministers whose fates are on the line include BJP’s Renu Devi (Bettiah), Neeraj Kumar Singh “Bablu” (Chhatapur), and JD(U)’s Leshi Singh (Dhamdaha), Sheela Mandal (Phulparas), and Zama Khan (Chainpur).
Tarkishore Prasad, the former deputy chief minister, is also contesting to retain his Katihar seat for the fifth consecutive term. Katihar district is also home to the Balrampur and Kadwa seats, where Mehboob Alam (CPI-ML) and Shakeel Ahmed Khan (Congress) are aiming for a hat-trick.
Minor NDA Allies and New Entrants
The second phase is also significant for minor NDA allies, including the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), led by Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM), founded by Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha. Both parties are contesting in six seats each, with HAM looking to defend its stronghold in Imamganj, Barachatti, Tikari, and Sikandra, while RLM has fielded debutants like Kushwaha’s wife Snehlata and aide Madhaw Anand.
State Congress president Rajesh Kumar is also a key contender, seeking to retain the reserved Kutumba seat for a second consecutive term.
Notable Turncoats and Challenges
Several former party members have switched sides and are contesting in this phase. These include Mohania MLA Sangita Kumari, who was elected as an RJD candidate in 2020 but is now contesting on a BJP ticket, and Vibha Devi, who recently switched from the opposition to JD(U).
Another notable figure is Murari Gautam, who was a minister in the Mahagathbandhan government before joining the NDA last year. He is now contesting from Chenari on a ticket from the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) headed by Chirag Paswan.
Chanakya Prakash Ranjan, whose father is a former state minister and JD(U) MP from Banka, has raised eyebrows by joining the RJD and is contesting from Belhar.
Voter Demographics and Polling Stations
Voting will take place across 45,399 polling stations, of which 40,073 are in rural areas. The electorate includes over 2.28 crore voters aged between 30 and 60, while only 7.69 lakh are in the 18-19 age group. Women make up a significant portion of the electorate, with 1.75 crore female voters in the 122 constituencies.
The largest electorate is in the Hisua seat in Nawada district, which has 3.67 lakh voters, while Lauria, Chanpatia, Raxaul, Triveniganj, Sugauli, and Banmakhi will have the most candidates, with 22 in each constituency.
The first phase of voting saw a record voter turnout of over 65%, and the second phase is expected to witness similar high participation.
The outcome of this phase will set the stage for the final composition of Bihar’s legislative assembly and have significant implications for both the NDA and the INDIA bloc.
