Friday Fever Rising: Will Bihar 'Count On' Old Guard Or New Hope To Lead It For Another 5 Years?

Friday Fever Rising: Will Bihar 'Count On' Old Guard Or New Hope To Lead It For Another 5 Years?

Bihar is on the edge of its seat as counting for the high-stakes assembly election begins on Friday, following two phases of polling on November 6 and 11 that saw the highest voter turnout in the state's post-Independence history.

The Election Commission (EC) reported an impressive participation rate of nearly 67%, underscoring the heightened public engagement in what has been described as one of Bihar's most fiercely contested elections in decades.

The two-phase polling, spread across all 243 assembly constituencies, unfolded largely peacefully, despite sporadic incidents of violence and reports of minor irregularities in some districts. The EC deployed over 1.25 lakh security personnel, including central armed police forces and state units, to ensure smooth voting amid heightened vigilance against possible disruptions by criminal and extremist elements.

This was particularly crucial in sensitive pockets of districts such as Gaya, Jamui, Aurangabad, and parts of northern Bihar, where the threat of Naxal interference has historically loomed large during elections.

The record voter turnout of 67%—significantly higher than the 57.3% recorded in the 2020 assembly election—has sparked intense speculation about which political formation stands to gain. Analysts say the surge could indicate a strong anti-incumbency mood, a youth-driven push for change, or simply a reflection of improved polling arrangements and voter mobilisation by all parties.

For political observers, the numbers signal that Bihar's electorate is far from apathetic and remains deeply invested in shaping the state's political and developmental future.

At the heart of the contest is a fierce battle between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by chief minister Nitish Kumar and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the opposition Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) spearheaded by Tejashwi Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The Congress and Left parties form key allies in the opposition bloc.

Smaller but significant players, including Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party, Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM, and Pappu Yadav's Jan Adhikar Party (aligned with Congress), have sought to carve out influence in select pockets, particularly in the Seemanchal region.

For Nitish Kumar, who has helmed Bihar for over 17 years across multiple terms, the election represents a defining moment. Once celebrated for his “sushasan" (good governance) model, Kumar faces mounting criticism over unemployment, migration, and deteriorating law and order. The BJP, while backing its longtime ally, has run a parallel campaign focusing on national issues, welfare schemes, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal appeal. The alliance's challenge lies in balancing Nitish's local leadership with the BJP's central dominance.

In contrast, Tejashwi Yadav has led an energetic, youth-driven campaign centred on employment and economic opportunity. His promise of government jobs became a rallying cry among young voters, a demographic that has grown increasingly restless amid limited economic prospects. The opposition has also targeted the government on rising prices, corruption, and what it calls a “fatigue factor" within the ruling establishment.

Exit polls released on various television channels after the second phase have painted a mixed picture, with most indicating a neck-and-neck contest between the NDA and Mahagathbandhan. While some surveys give a slight edge to Tejashwi Yadav's alliance, most suggest Nitish Kumar may retain power with the BJP's backing.

However, given Bihar's complex caste arithmetic and regional diversity, even a small swing in voter preference can dramatically alter the outcome once counting begins.

The Election Commission has announced that counting will commence at 8 a.m. on Friday across 38 district headquarters. Results from the postal ballots will be tallied first, followed by the electronic voting machine (EVM) counts.

To ensure transparency, the EC has installed 24-hour CCTV monitoring and deployed additional observers at all counting centres. Given the close margins expected in many constituencies, officials anticipate that the full picture may not emerge until late in the evening.

Security has been tightened across the state, particularly around counting centres and party offices in Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Bhagalpur, to prevent any outbreak of post-result unrest. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 have been imposed in sensitive zones, and police have set up checkpoints on major highways and city roads.

As Bihar awaits its verdict, the mood on the ground remains charged. For some, this election represents a referendum on Nitish Kumar's long tenure; for others, it is a test of whether Tejashwi Yadav can finally transform youthful discontent into political power.

Either way, the record turnout has ensured that when the ballots are opened on Friday, the voice of Bihar's people will resonate louder than ever before.

Source: News18
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