Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to arrive in Gaya, Bihar, on August 22, 2025, to kick off the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) campaign for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The visit underscores the significance of Bihar in the national political landscape, with the NDA aiming to consolidate its position in the state.

The NDA in Bihar comprises 14 teams, with a complex seat-sharing arrangement for the 243 assembly seats. While details are still emerging, the Janata Dal (United) [JDU] is likely to contest 102-103 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may contest 100-102 seats. Smaller allies, including the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) [led by Chirag Paswan], Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM), are expected to be allocated the remaining seats. However, recent reports suggest that Chirag Paswan may contest the elections independently.

Preparations are underway for a grand rally in Gaya, with discussions focusing on Gandhi Maidan, Belaganj, and Bodh Gaya as possible locations. During his visit, Modi is expected to address the public and announce new schemes for the state. This visit follows Modi's previous engagement in Bihar on July 18, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation for projects worth ₹7,200 crore in Motihari.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has been overseeing the arrangements for the Prime Minister's visit. He highlighted that Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for Bihar's first six-lane bridge over the Ganga river, along with other development projects worth approximately ₹1,200 crore. Choudhary urged people to attend the rally and listen to Modi.

The Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled for October–November 2025. In the previous elections in 2020, the NDA formed the government, with Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister. However, Kumar later switched alliances, briefly joining the Mahagathbandhan before returning to the NDA in January 2024.

The Mahagathbandhan, a coalition of opposition parties including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and Left parties, is also gearing up for the elections. They held their first seat-sharing meeting in April 2025, led by RJD's Tejashwi Yadav. The alliance aims to capitalize on issues such as unemployment, crime, and education to challenge the NDA's dominance.

As the elections approach, both the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan are focusing on social justice issues and welfare schemes. The opposition plans to appeal to Bihari pride by alleging interference from Delhi and voter disenfranchisement. The NDA, led by Nitish Kumar, is leveraging the BJP's survey-driven seat allocation and Union Budget allocations for Bihar.

The upcoming elections are crucial for both alliances, and the political landscape in Bihar is expected to witness intense competition and strategic maneuvering in the coming months.