New Delhi, October 22:The electoral scenario in Bihar is expected to become much clearer by October 23, when the deadline for the withdrawal of nominations for the second phase of the Assembly elections ends. This development will effectively finalize the list of contesting candidates across all 243 Assembly constituencies, setting the stage for an intense political battle in the state.
According to the Election Commission’s schedule, the first phase of polling is slated for November 6, while the second phase will take place on November 11. The counting of votes for both phases will be conducted simultaneously on November 14, bringing the suspense to an end in one of India’s most politically sensitive states.
The process of scrutiny of nominations for the second phase concluded on October 21, following the completion of withdrawals for the first phase on October 20. With the withdrawal period now nearing its end, the final list of candidates will provide a clearer picture of the multi-cornered contests likely to dominate several constituencies.
Political observers say that the coming 48 hours are crucial for all parties—the ruling NDA, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the opposition Mahagathbandhan, spearheaded by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress. Both camps have been grappling with seat-sharing tensions and last-minute rebellions by disgruntled aspirants denied tickets.
The NDA hopes to capitalize on its governance plank, citing Nitish Kumar’s record on infrastructure and welfare programs, while the Mahagathbandhan is seeking to corner the government on issues like unemployment, migration, and rising prices. The entry of smaller regional outfits such as the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) is expected to make the electoral equations more unpredictable.
Election strategists note that the withdrawal phase often brings behind-the-scenes negotiations and reconciliations as parties attempt to minimize internal damage and avoid vote division. Several independent and rebel candidates may step down under pressure from party leaderships, while others could persist, potentially affecting vote shares in closely fought constituencies.
Once the final lists are out on Thursday, the focus will shift entirely to campaigning, which is likely to intensify from this weekend. Senior leaders from all major parties are expected to hit the campaign trail across the state, signaling the formal start of a fiercely contested battle for Bihar’s political power.
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