Patna, Bihar: As the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a majority of seats in the Bihar Assembly elections, Union Minister Giriraj Singh declared, "Won Bihar, Next Target Bengal". The counting of votes, which began early Friday morning, indicated a strong showing for the NDA, paving the way for a likely fifth consecutive term for Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister.
Initial trends showed the NDA leading in 161 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan trailed behind with 77. The BJP also surpassed the 50-mark, leading in 70 seats. Tejashwi Yadav, the chief ministerial candidate for the Mahagathbandhan, was leading in his family bastion of Raghopur. Singer Maithili Thakur, a BJP candidate making her electoral debut, was also leading in Alinagar.
The Bihar assembly elections, held in two phases on November 6 and 11, saw a historic voter turnout of 67.13% across the state's 243-member assembly. While most exit polls predicted a clear victory for the NDA, Tejashwi Yadav dismissed these predictions, confidently asserting that the Mahagathbandhan would secure a resounding majority.
Besides Tejashwi Yadav, other prominent candidates in the fray included Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, Tej Pratap of Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD), and Bihar Congress president Rajesh Kumar.
The declaration by Giriraj Singh has already stirred political discussions, hinting at the BJP's future ambitions in West Bengal. The BJP is looking to expand its influence in the eastern states following its performance in Bihar. The statement has been interpreted as a clear indication of the party's strategic focus moving forward.
Political analysts suggest that the BJP's performance in Bihar will likely boost the morale of party workers and leaders in West Bengal, potentially intensifying political activities in the region. However, the political landscape in West Bengal is distinct, and the BJP will need to carefully craft its strategy to resonate with the local populace.
The election results in Bihar are being closely watched, not only for their impact on the state but also for their broader implications on national politics. The outcome will likely set the tone for future electoral battles and influence the strategies of various political parties across the country.
