Bihar is gearing up for a crucial assembly election, with the Election Commission of India (ECI) announcing that the polls will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with the vote count on November 14. As the political parties prepare for a high-stakes battle, several key issues are expected to dominate the campaign, including revisions to the electoral roll, unemployment, and migration.
The ECI's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls has become a contentious issue. The final voter list, published on September 30, shows 74.2 million eligible voters, a decrease from 78.9 million in June. The ECI attributes the deletion of 6.85 million voters to factors such as deaths (2.2 million), permanent shifts or absence (3.6 million), and duplicate registrations (0.7 million). Opposition parties have challenged this revision, alleging that it disproportionately affects marginalized communities and infringes on their democratic rights. Some view the SIR as a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise voters, particularly the poor and underprivileged, who fear losing access to social welfare benefits. The opposition has criticized the ECI for acting in favor of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Unemployment remains a significant concern in Bihar, particularly among the youth. The lack of job opportunities has fueled migration from the state, exacerbating socio-economic challenges. Political parties are under pressure to present concrete plans for job creation and economic development to address the aspirations of young voters. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD-U and the BJP, is touting its development initiatives and efforts to attract investment to the state. The opposition INDIA bloc is focusing on the failures of the government to provide adequate employment opportunities and improve the living standards of the people.
Migration is intrinsically linked to unemployment in Bihar. The state has historically witnessed a large outflow of people seeking better prospects in other parts of the country. This migration has resulted in a demographic shift, with a significant number of voters being absent from their constituencies. The ECI's decision to delete voters who have permanently shifted has raised concerns about the fairness and inclusivity of the electoral process. Parties are debating the impact of migration on voter turnout and the need for policies to encourage the return of migrants to the state.
As the election approaches, political activity has intensified across Bihar. Parties are engaging in rallies, public meetings, and door-to-door campaigns to woo voters. The NDA is seeking to consolidate its position, while the INDIA bloc is aiming to unseat the incumbent government. Opinion polls suggest a close contest, with the NDA having a slight edge. The election is expected to be a battle between development promises and identity politics. The performance of the political parties on addressing the issues of electoral roll revisions, unemployment, and migration will likely determine the outcome of the Bihar polls.
