The stage is set for the second and final phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, with polling scheduled for tomorrow, November 11, across 122 constituencies. Spanning 20 districts, this phase will determine the fate of 1,302 candidates, including 136 women, as approximately 37 million eligible voters prepare to cast their ballots.
Key Constituencies and Candidates
Several constituencies are expected to witness keen contests, featuring prominent candidates and potentially tight races. Key battles include:
- Bettiah (West Champaran): Former Deputy Chief Minister Renu Devi (BJP) seeks to retain her seat, which she has won five times since 2000, facing a test of anti-incumbency. An independent candidate, Rohit Sikaria, could impact the Mahagathbandhan's votes.
- Katihar (Katihar district): A prestige contest for BJP veteran and former Deputy Chief Minister Tarkishore Prasad in the Seemanchal region. Jan Suraaj has fielded Ghazi Sharique, and a strong performance by Prashant Kishor's party in Muslim-dominated areas could split the Mahagathbandhan votes, potentially benefiting the BJP.
- Jamui: BJP MLA Shreyasi Singh, a shooter-turned-politician, is seeking re-election.
- Dhamdaha: JD(U) minister Leshi Singh is contesting.
- Chhatapur: BJP minister Neeraj Kumar Singh is in the fray.
- Kahalgaon (Bhagalpur district): A multi-cornered fight involving Shubhanand Mukesh (JD(U), NDA), Prawin Singh (Congress), Rajnish Bharti (RJD), and Pawan Yadav (Independent).
- Imamganj: HAM(S) has again fielded Deepa Kumari as the NDA candidate. The Mahagathbandhan has nominated Ritu Priya Chaudhary.
Political Landscape
The election features a direct contest in most constituencies between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Mahagathbandhan.
- NDA: The BJP has fielded 53 candidates, followed by 44 from JD(U). Other NDA constituents include LJP (Ram Vilas) contesting 15 seats, Hindustani Awam Morcha (6 candidates), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (4 candidates).
- Mahagathbandhan: The RJD has 71 candidates, followed by 37 from Congress. The Vikas Sheel Insaan Party (VIP) is contesting eight seats, CPI-ML six, CPI four, and CPM one. Tejashwi Yadav has been announced as the Chief Ministerial face of the Mahagathbandhan.
Voting Details
Polling will take place from 7 am to 6 pm. However, in seven assembly constituencies (Chainpur, Govindpur, Rajauli, Jamui, Sikandra, Chakai, and Jhajha) and at 1202 polling booths in certain areas of Gaya, Aurangabad, Banka, and Rohtas districts, polling will conclude at 5 PM due to security reasons.
Over 4 lakh security personnel have been deployed to ensure peaceful polling. Several India-Nepal border points have been sealed for 72 hours ahead of the second phase of voting.
Key Issues and Dynamics
The election is seen as a crucial test that may redefine the contours of Bihar's politics for years to come. Issues such as development, security, and caste dynamics are expected to play a significant role in influencing voter choices. The performance of incumbent legislators and ministers will reflect how voters assess their governance.
Election Schedule
The counting of votes for all 243 constituencies, including the 121 that went to the polls on November 6, will be held on November 14. Exit polls will be announced after the completion of the second phase on November 11.
