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Bihar Election 2025 Results: Will migrant workers decide who forms the next government?
Bihar's migrant workers are emerging as a significant 'X-factor' in the 2025 Assembly elections, according to strategist Prashant Kishor. Their return for Chhath and subsequent participation in voting are reportedly driving demand for change, influencing family and community decisions. This unprecedented engagement, coupled with record turnout, signals a potential shift in the state's political landscape, with results due November 14.
With the second phase of the Bihar Assembly elections 2025 now underway and exit polls just hours away, attention has turned to one of the most talked-about elements of this election: the role of migrant workers.
Just days earlier, Jan Suraaj Party founder and strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor had described Bihar's migrant population as the “X-factor” that could play a decisive role in shaping the election results.
Prashant Kishor Highlights Migrant Workers as Key Drivers of Change in Bihar Elections 2025
Speaking to reporters ahead of the second phase, Prashant Kishor emphasised the crucial role migrant workers have played this year. He claimed that thousands of workers who returned to Bihar during Chhath have been actively participating in the elections, influencing family and friends to vote for what he termed as “badlao” (change).Kishor said, “The migrant workers, who stayed back after Chhath, have ensured that their families and communities vote in large numbers. This is unprecedented and has surprised everyone. People who were previously content with government handouts are now demanding real change. In this election, migrant workers have become the X-factor.”
He predicted that the counting of votes on November 14 would mark a historic moment for the state, reflecting the people's desire for change.
Record Voter Turnout Signals Desire for Change, Says Jan Suraaj Founder
Kishor hailed the early turnout in the first phase as indicative of the public mood. With a 64.66 per cent voter turnout, the highest in Bihar's history, he claimed the figures show that more than 60 per cent of Bihar's population is seeking a departure from both the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)]."People who previously felt indifferent towards politics now have an alternative after Jan Suraaj came on the scene. Voters are clearly giving their mandate for change," Kishor told reporters.
He also downplayed speculations and exit poll predictions, stressing that real results can only be seen on November 14. According to him, more than 2 crore 10 lakh people have already voted, and any predictions based on estimates are premature.
Migrant Workers Returning for Chhath Could Tip the Balance in Key Constituencies
Bihar has historically had a large migrant workforce. As per the 2011 Census, around 7.06 lakh workers leave the state in search of employment every year, travelling to states like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.This year, many migrant workers returned for Chhath, celebrated from October 25 to October 28, and chose to stay back to cast their vote. Their presence on polling day has given analysts and political observers a new dimension to watch, as these voters could influence outcomes in constituencies with tight contests.
Political Parties on High Alert as Migrant Influence Grows
While Prashant Kishor highlights the migrant factor as an independent force for change, traditional alliances are wary. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had earlier alleged that the Railway Ministry was organising special trains to increase voter turnout in favour of the NDA, raising concerns about electoral manipulation.The first phase of voting, held on 121 seats across 18 districts, saw 3.75 crore eligible voters exercising their franchise. The second phase, covering the remaining 122 seats, is being held today, with counting scheduled for November 14.
The NDA, led by BJP and JD(U), is looking to retain power, while the Mahagathbandhan, including Congress, RJD, Left parties, and VIP, is striving for a comeback. Jan Suraaj has also made a debut, contesting over 200 seats independently.
Electoral Rolls Revision Adds Another Layer of Complexity
The elections followed the recently concluded Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which became a point of contention for opposition parties. The SIR exercise aims to ensure updated voter lists, but parties like RJD and Congress expressed reservations, claiming potential discrepancies.The combined factors of migrant workers returning to vote, high voter turnout, and the SIR process make this election particularly unpredictable. Political analysts agree that migrant workers could prove decisive in constituencies where the battle between NDA, Mahagathbandhan, and Jan Suraaj is close.
Will Bihar Migrant Workers Define the 2025 Poll Outcome?
Prashant Kishor remains confident that Bihar's migrant population has shifted the electoral dynamics. “History will be made on November 14. Even experienced pundits didn't anticipate such a huge turnout,” he said.As the second phase of polling unfolds, all eyes are on Bihar's migrant workers, potentially the X-factor that could determine the next government in Patna. For voters, analysts, and parties alike, their choices may prove decisive in rewriting Bihar's political narrative.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
Source: EconomicTimes
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