Voting has commenced in the Indian state of Bihar for 243 assembly seats. Over 74 million people are eligible to cast their ballots in the election, which is being held in two phases. The outgoing government is a coalition of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), who are contesting together again. The main opposition Congress party has allied with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other regional parties. Vote counting is scheduled for November 14.
Election Overview
Voting has started in Bihar, an eastern Indian state, with over 74 million individuals eligible to participate. The election is for 243 assembly seats and will be conducted in two phases. Vote counting is scheduled for November 14. This election precedes other state polls.
Political Alliances and New Entrants
The incumbent government is an alliance between the BJP and the JD(U), who are contesting the current election as a united front. The Congress party has formed an alliance with the regional RJD and several smaller parties. A new political party, Jan Suraaj Party, led by political consultant Prashant Kishor, has also entered the electoral contest. Kishor has previously worked with both the BJP and the Congress.
Key Political Figures
- Nitish Kumar: The current Chief Minister, he has led the state government for a significant part of the last two decades. He is an ally of the BJP and has supported the party in forming federal governments.
- Lalu Prasad Yadav: From the RJD, he served as Chief Minister from 1990 to 1997. He championed marginalized caste groups, which impacted the state's political landscape. Yadav has been convicted in corruption cases and is currently out on bail.
- Tejashwi Yadav: Lalu Yadav's son, he is projected as the Chief Minister candidate for the opposition alliance.
- Veteran Leaders: Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad Yadav, both of whom have been active in Bihar politics for nearly four decades, are reported to be in poor health. They have previously formed alliances.
State Context and Electoral Roll Revision
Bihar is identified as one of India's poorer and more populous states, experiencing significant migration for employment. The BJP has not formed a government on its own in Bihar.
The election follows a revision of electoral rolls. The opposition has alleged that this revision could exclude eligible voters and could be perceived to benefit the BJP. Both the BJP and India's Election Commission have denied these allegations.