Voting has commenced in Bihar, India, where over 74 million citizens are eligible to participate in an important election for 243 seats, set in a two-phase voting process. The counting of votes is scheduled for November 14. This election is significant as it may influence various upcoming state polls.
Concerns have been raised regarding a recent revision of electoral rolls, with allegations from opposition parties that this revision could potentially disenfranchise legitimate voters and favor the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both the BJP and India’s Election Commission have denied these claims.
Bihar, among India’s most populous and economically challenged states, often sees substantial migration for employment. Notably, it remains one of the few states where the BJP has yet to independently establish its government. The current ruling coalition includes the BJP and the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), both of which are contesting the elections together. Concurrently, the main opposition, the Congress party, has allied with the regional Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other smaller factions.
There is a notable new entrant in the election landscape: Prashant Kishor, a prominent political consultant who previously collaborated with both the BJP and Congress, is contesting with his own party, Jan Suraaj.
This election is particularly noteworthy as it may be the last to prominently feature influential leaders Nitish Kumar of JD(U) and Lalu Prasad Yadav of RJD, who have significantly influenced Bihar’s political scene for several decades. Yadav’s sons are also vying for a prominent political role.
Recent changes to the voter list have evoked criticism, particularly regarding the removal of 4.7 million names, which opponents claim disproportionately affects Muslim voters. Analysts suggest that women voters could have a critical impact in this election, with nearly half of the electorate being female. Both major political alliances are targeting women through various welfare initiatives, reflecting their growing turnout and voting influence.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2yl78kw7go?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss