Bihar Elections 2025: What to Expect from the Upcoming Political Battle

The 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly elections are among the most anticipated political events in India this year. The entire state is buzzing with excitement, anticipation, and plenty of political drama as Bihar gets ready to elect representatives for all 243 assembly seats. The election will take place in two phases, on November 6 and November 11, with counting and results expected on November 14.

Bihar has always been a politically charged state where caste equations, social justice, and development issues come together to shape the final verdict. This year, the contest looks even more intense, as both old and new faces are ready to test their strength on the electoral battlefield.

The Political Landscape

The ruling alliance, known as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), is led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (United). Along with them are smaller allies such as the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), the Rashtriya Lok Morcha, and the Hindustani Awam Morcha. Together, they have finalized their seat-sharing formula. BJP and JD(U) will contest 101 seats each, while the remaining seats are distributed among the smaller partners.

On the other side, the opposition coalition, often referred to as the INDIA bloc or the Mahagathbandhan, includes the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and a few regional allies. However, internal disagreements over seat sharing have slowed down their campaign launch. Negotiations between RJD and Congress are still ongoing, and both parties are trying to ensure they maintain influence over key constituencies.

Adding a fresh twist to the political mix, Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party has entered the race. Kishor, who previously worked as a political strategist for several major leaders, is now testing his own appeal among voters. His party has announced that it will contest multiple seats and focus on issues like education, health, and governance. Kishor is also rumored to contest from Raghopur, a seat known for its connection to the RJD family.

Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party has surprised many by announcing that it will contest all 243 seats in Bihar. The party hopes to present itself as a clean and governance-focused alternative to both the NDA and the opposition alliance.

The Voter List Controversy

A major controversy has emerged over the ongoing revision of the voter list, called the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The Election Commission conducted this exercise to update voter details and verify identities. However, reports suggest that over 52 lakh voters could not be found at their registered addresses. This has led to concerns that many eligible voters may be left out of the final list.

Opposition parties have strongly objected to this, claiming that the process might unfairly exclude poor and migrant voters. The Election Commission maintains that the verification is necessary to clean up inaccurate records and prevent duplication. The issue even reached the Supreme Court, which directed the Commission to consider more flexible identification documents to avoid wrongful deletions.

This controversy has made voter inclusion a central topic in the run-up to the election, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where documentation is often inconsistent.

Key Issues in the Election

Every election in Bihar revolves around a few central themes — employment, infrastructure, law and order, and caste representation. This year, the conversation has shifted toward job creation, teacher recruitment, and better education facilities.

Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav has promised large-scale recruitment of teachers if his alliance comes to power. His focus on youth employment aims to attract Bihar’s younger voters, who make up a significant part of the electorate.

The NDA, on the other hand, is emphasizing its record on governance, welfare schemes, and infrastructure development. Party leaders are highlighting achievements in rural electrification, road building, and digital access. They are confident that their focus on welfare and stability will help them retain power.

Meanwhile, the Jan Suraaj Party is campaigning on the theme of clean politics, governance reforms, and transparency. It aims to reach voters who are disillusioned with traditional party politics.

Internal Challenges and Rivalries

Within the alliances, tensions are visible. The seat-sharing agreement between the BJP and JD(U) is being watched closely for signs of imbalance. Some analysts believe that the BJP is trying to increase its influence in Bihar at the expense of its regional partners.

In the opposition camp, the RJD and Congress are struggling to finalize their list of candidates. Both want to dominate the alliance, and smaller partners are unhappy about not being consulted adequately. These internal challenges could affect how united the opposition appears to voters.

Old rivalries have also resurfaced in certain constituencies. In Mokama, for instance, two influential political families are expected to face off once again, reviving an old political battle that has long defined the region’s politics.

Smaller regional parties such as the Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP) may not have MLAs at present but are still considered crucial for their community-specific voter bases. Their support could prove decisive in several closely contested seats.

Voter Outreach and Election Innovations

The Election Commission and local authorities are focusing on increasing voter turnout. Patna’s administration has launched a campaign called “Mission 60,” which aims to achieve at least 60 percent voter participation in the capital district. Special attention is being given to first-time voters, women, and areas that recorded low turnout in the previous election.

To make the voting process smoother, a new mobile deposit facility is being introduced near polling stations. This is designed to reduce waiting times and make it easier for people to cast their vote without hassle.

These initiatives show that the Election Commission wants to make the process more accessible and efficient while ensuring fair participation across different sections of society.

The Big Questions

As the campaign picks up pace, several key questions remain unanswered. Will the opposition bloc finalize its seat-sharing formula in time to mount an effective challenge? Can Prashant Kishor’s new party or the Aam Aadmi Party make a meaningful dent in traditional vote banks? How much will the voter list controversy impact turnout and credibility?

Bihar’s elections have always been unpredictable. Voters often decide based on local factors rather than national narratives. This makes every constituency a micro-battle where personal connections, caste dynamics, and ground-level issues play an important role.

For the NDA, maintaining its current position means balancing governance claims with alliance management. For the opposition, the challenge lies in projecting unity and convincing voters that it can provide a credible alternative. And for new entrants, it’s about proving that they can stand independently in a state dominated by long-established political giants.

Conclusion

The Bihar Assembly Election 2025 promises to be a contest filled with energy, competition, and high stakes. With established parties defending their turf and new players entering the scene, every phase of this election will be closely watched across India.

For the people of Bihar, the election represents more than just a political event, it is a chance to shape the state’s future. The next few weeks will decide whether the voters choose continuity, change, or a completely new direction for Bihar.

Source: Indian Express, Times of India, Economic Times, NDTV, Navbharat Times, Wikipedia.