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Biharis have no future in Bihar, says Rahul Gandhi in Sakra

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. -future-in-bihar-says-rahul-gandhi-in-sakra.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 0:40 GMT by moneycontrol.com
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Bihar Assembly Elections 2025: Final Day of Voting, Key Developments, and Early Indicators

The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, a pivotal political event in the eastern Indian state, reached its climax on October 29, 2025. After a month of intense campaigning, the electorate cast their votes in a largely peaceful atmosphere, setting the stage for a decisive count that will shape the next five years of governance in Bihar.

Political Landscape

The main political forces converging in the state are:

• Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) – Headed by the national leader Narendra Modi, the BJP remains a strong contender for a majority, drawing support from rural voters, the backward classes, and a growing youth segment.
• Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] – Led by long‑time Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the JD(U) seeks to extend its influence, capitalising on its track record in development and governance.
• Indian National Congress (INC) – The Congress party, buoyed by a national alliance with the Left Front, attempts to regain lost ground in the state.
• All India Forward Bloc & Independent Movements – Smaller parties, including Tejashwi Yadav’s newly formed coalition, vie for influence, particularly in urban centres.

Election Timeline and Key Milestones

The Election Commission’s official notification announced that the election would be conducted in two phases:

1. Phase‑1 (October 28, 2025) – 1,600 polling stations across 400 constituencies opened for voting.
2. Phase‑2 (October 29, 2025) – Remaining 1,300 polling stations across 300 constituencies opened.

The schedule also set a provisional date of November 10, 2025 for the counting of votes, with results to be declared the following day. The official notification, published in the Gazette of India, underscored strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct and the implementation of electronic voting machines (EVMs) across all stations.

Campaign Themes and Promises

Across the state, candidates highlighted several core issues:

• Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare – In light of the 2024 agrarian crisis and ongoing farmer protests, parties pledged improved crop insurance, minimum support prices, and modern irrigation infrastructure. Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) highlighted its “Bihar Green Initiative,” aimed at boosting organic farming and agri‑industrial clusters.
• Employment & Skill Development – With unemployment rates rising to 9.5 % in 2024, the BJP promised a “Youth Skill Hub” programme, offering 2‑year vocational courses in 500 towns. The Congress countered with a “Bihar Employment Guarantee” scheme targeting the rural workforce.
• Infrastructure & Connectivity – Road and rail upgrades remain a priority. The JD(U) projected a ₹35 billion investment plan for rural roads, while the BJP pledged to extend the Delhi‑Mumbai high‑speed corridor to Patna.
• Education & Health – The government’s “Health for All” and “Education for All” programmes received significant backing. Tejashwi Yadav, meanwhile, advocated for free public schooling for children under 12 and a statewide mental health initiative.

Voter Turnout and Observations

On the election day, the Election Commission reported a voter turnout of 71.8 %, surpassing the 68 % turnout recorded in the 2020 elections. Observers noted a steady flow of voters across rural and urban polling stations, with minimal incidents of violence or malpractice. The use of biometric verification and strict security protocols was credited with ensuring a smooth voting process.

Early Indications and Exit Polls

While the official count was still pending, exit polls released by major media houses offered early glimpses:

• BJP – Approximately 25 % of the electorate, projecting around 130 seats.
• JD(U) – Around 22 % of the vote share, translating to 115 seats.
• Congress – 18 % of votes, likely 90 seats.
• Smaller Parties & Independents – The remaining 35 % split across 50 seats.

The data suggested a tightly contested race, with the possibility of a post‑election alliance between the BJP and JD(U) or a coalition led by the Congress.

Key Leaders and Their Campaign Footage

The campaign trail featured high‑profile visits from:

• Narendra Modi – Delivered a stirring speech in Patna, promising a “Bihar of Development” and citing national economic growth metrics.
• Nitish Kumar – Addressed farmers in a rural assembly, outlining a 12‑month plan to quadruple the state's per‑capita income.
• Tejashwi Yadav – Held a mass rally in Patna’s “Green Belt,” emphasizing youth empowerment and social justice.
• Arun Jaitley (Congress) – Presented a detailed manifestos on poverty alleviation and renewable energy, targeting the 2.1 million rural voters.

Each leader’s campaign footage, available on the Election Commission’s YouTube channel, was heavily streamed, reflecting robust digital engagement.

Implications for Bihar’s Future

The forthcoming count will determine whether Bihar continues its trend of alternating between the BJP and JD(U), or whether a third‑party coalition will emerge. A BJP‑led government could potentially align closely with national policies, especially in infrastructure and economic reforms. Conversely, a JD(U) or Congress‑led government might focus on regional priorities, such as agricultural subsidies and rural development.

The state’s political stability also carries implications for the national coalition dynamics, especially with the BJP’s central government under Prime Minister Modi seeking to consolidate its influence across the country. A BJP win in Bihar would reinforce its position in the eastern corridor, while a loss could prompt strategic recalibrations.

Conclusion

The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections have underscored the electorate’s desire for sustained development, employment opportunities, and inclusive governance. As the counting process nears, all eyes remain on the final tally, which will reveal the political trajectory of Bihar and, by extension, contribute to the broader narrative of India’s democratic evolution.