Bihar is set for a decisive political showdown on Tuesday as the second and final phase of the state assembly elections unfolds across 122 constituencies in 20 districts. This concluding round of polling will determine not only the composition of the next government in the state but also the political future of over 1,300 candidates, including a dozen sitting ministers and several senior leaders with substantial influence in Bihar’s political landscape.

Over 37 million voters are eligible to cast their ballots at 45,399 polling stations, of which 17.4 million are women. The scale of the election machinery has been substantial, with 40,073 booths located in rural areas to ensure broad accessibility. The Election Commission has also arranged for webcasting at all polling stations to maintain transparency and accountability, while the average number of electors per polling booth stands at 815.

The first phase of polling, held on November 6 across 121 constituencies in 18 districts, witnessed a record voter turnout of 65.08 percent—the highest ever in Bihar. This turnout was achieved following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which reduced the state’s electorate from 78.9 million to 74.2 million, streamlining the voting process and ensuring that the rolls reflect only eligible voters.

Historically, the second phase of voting carries immense significance as it encompasses constituencies that often include both urban and rural strongholds, influencing the overall outcome in a way that can swing the balance of power. In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, of the 122 constituencies now going to polls, the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) had won 49 seats, while the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured 66 seats. The Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) captured five seats, while the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and an Independent candidate each claimed one seat.

Several prominent ministers are contesting in this phase, making it a high-stakes battle for incumbency as well as party influence. Among them are Power Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav from Supaul, Industries Minister Nitish Mishra from Jhanjharpur, Transport and Communication Minister Sheela Kumari Mandal from Phulparas, Public Health and Engineering Minister Neeraj Kumar Singh Bablu from Chhatapur, and Sugarcane Industries Minister Krishnanandan Paswan from Harsidih. Food and Consumer Protection Minister Leshi Singh is contesting from Dhamdaha, Rural Works Minister Jayant Raj Kushwaha from Amarpur, Cooperative Minister Prem Kumar from Gaya Town, Science and Technology Minister Sumit Kumar Singh from Chakai, Minority Welfare Minister Mohammad Zama Khan from Chainpur, and Animal and Fisheries Resources Minister Renu Devi, a former deputy chief minister, from Bettiah.

Veteran leaders and former office-bearers are also part of the fray, including former Deputy Chief Minister Tarkishore Prasad from Katihar, former Speaker Uday Narain Choudhary from Sikandra, and ex-ministers such as Vinay Bihari (Lauriya), Narayan Prasad (Nautan), Shamim Ahmed (Narkatia), Rana Randhir Singh (Madhuban), Pramod Kumar (Motihari), and Sunil Kumar Pintu (Sitamarhi). Additionally, the elections feature active participation from state-level party heads, such as Rajesh Ram (Congress, Kutumba), Raju Tiwary (LJP–Ram Vilas, Gobindganj), and Anil Kumar (HAM-S, Tikari).

The final phase also brings several new entrants and regional aspirants into the spotlight. Bhojpuri actor-singer Ritesh Pandey, representing Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party, is contesting from Kargahar (Rohtas), while his party colleague Dhirendra Agrawal is challenging BJP veteran Prem Kumar in Gaya Town. Snehlata Kushwaha, wife of Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha, is vying for Sasaram on behalf of the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM), and Dipa Kumari, daughter-in-law of Jitan Ram Manjhi, contests from Imamganj representing HAM(S).

The seat-sharing arrangements have been defined clearly among the major alliances. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded candidates in 53 constituencies, the Janata Dal (United) on 44, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) on 15, Hindustan Awam Morcha(Secular) on six, and Rashtriya Lok Manch on four. On the opposing front, the INDIA bloc has allocated 72 seats to the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), 37 to the Congress, eight to the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), six to the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation, four to the Communist Party of India (CPI), and one to the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

Despite the alliance, internal friction persists, with multiple partners contesting against each other on six seats, including Kargahar (CPI–Congress), Narkatiaganj (RJD–Congress), Kahalgaon (RJD–Congress), Sultanganj (RJD–Congress), Chainpur (RJD–VIP), and Sikandra (RJD–Congress). This has added an extra layer of uncertainty to the electoral contest, potentially influencing voter choices and alliance dynamics.

Security arrangements have been extensive, with 1,625 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces deployed to ensure free, fair, and peaceful polling. The presence of armed forces and electronic surveillance mechanisms aims to curb election malpractices and maintain law and order, particularly in constituencies with a history of voter intimidation or political tension.

Political parties have expressed confidence ahead of the polling. JD(U) spokesperson Abhishek Jha projected a strong showing for the NDA, predicting that the alliance could win between 30 and 35 seats in this phase and potentially secure 75–80 seats overall. Conversely, RJD spokesperson Mritunjay Tiwary expressed optimism for the opposition bloc, stating that they expect to win 90 seats in the second phase. He also highlighted the historical trend of voter enthusiasm, citing the record turnout in the first phase as a signal that the electorate is engaged and motivated to vote for change.

With over 37 million voters ready to cast their ballots and a mix of seasoned politicians, influential ministers, new entrants, and regional parties in contention, the final phase of Bihar’s assembly elections promises to be a litmus test for the state’s political landscape. The outcome is poised to shape the government for the next five years and influence the broader dynamics of alliances and power structures in Bihar, as voters weigh performance, promises, and political stability in making their choices.

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