Bihar countdown begins: NDA’s stability pitch vs India bloc’s promise of change

The Bihar election has turned into a fierce political showdown between the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc. With Tejashwi Yadav’s confident declaration of victory and the BJP’s aggressive campaign push led by Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah, both alliances are locked in a make-or-break fight for power.

India bloc: Tejashwi’s confidence and Rahul’s counterfire

RJD leader and INDIA bloc’s chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav has stirred the campaign by announcing November 18 as his “swearing-in day,” just four days after the results. His statement, made amid the arrest of JD(U) candidate Anant Singh in the Mokama firing case, reflected his confidence in a clear victory.

Tejashwi blamed the Nitish Kumar-led government for Bihar’s law and order issues, declaring, “After we form the government, every criminal will be behind bars.” His remarks triggered reactions from BJP leaders, who accused the RJD of trying to return to its “jungle raj” era.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sharpened his attack on the Centre during a rally in Begusarai, accusing Prime Minister Modi of favouring industrialists Adani and Ambani. Taking on Amit Shah’s claim that Bihar lacks land for industries, Rahul retorted, “There’s land for billionaires, not for Bihar’s youth.” He promised to set up a world-class university and create new jobs if the INDIA bloc is voted to power.

NDA: Modi’s momentum and Shah’s sharp attack

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rallies in Arrah, Nawada, and Patna drew massive crowds, boosting the NDA’s campaign. BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal said the turnout reflected “people’s faith in NDA’s governance.” Modi urged voters to back a “double-engine government,” highlighting development works and welfare schemes under the NDA rule.

Home Minister Amit Shah intensified the NDA’s offensive, warning that an RJD comeback would bring back “murder, kidnapping, and extortion” as new portfolios. He announced plans to make Bihar flood-free, create a new ministry for flood control, launch industrial projects, and introduce a Vande Bharat train between Sitamarhi and Ayodhya.

The road ahead

Bihar goes to polls on November 6 and 11, with results set for November 14. The NDA is campaigning on stability and development, while the INDIA bloc is banking on change and employment. As the countdown begins, Bihar’s political destiny now rests in the hands of its voters, deciding whether Tejashwi’s “November 18” dream turns real or the NDA keeps its stronghold intact.