ihar Assembly Election 2025: A New Round on the Political Chessboard
By Binod Kumar Singh
Independent Journalist & Columnist
The stage is set for one of India’s most politically charged state elections — the Bihar Assembly Election 2025.
With the Election Commission announcing polling dates — November 6 and 11, followed by counting on November 14 — Bihar’s political field has turned into a battlefield of alliances, ambitions, and arithmetic.
Alliance Equations and Seat Battles
Both the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) and the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) are struggling to finalize seat-sharing.
Chirag Paswan of LJP (Ram Vilas) is pushing for around 40 seats, while Jitan Ram Manjhi of HAM (Secular) demands a larger share in his areas of influence such as Gaya and Aurangabad.
Their subtle hints of contesting independently have created ripples within the NDA.
Meanwhile, the Grand Alliance is building its narrative around “People vs Power” — aiming to turn unemployment, education, and migration into poll-defining issues.
The Modi–Nitish Factor: NDA’s Strength and Strain
The NDA’s major advantage lies in the combined appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Their dual control over the Centre and State lends the alliance a strong governance narrative — reflected in the BJP’s slogan “Stable Government, Strong Bihar.”
However, Nitish Kumar’s frequent political realignments continue to cause confusion among sections of voters.
Chirag Paswan’s growing ambitions after his 2024 Lok Sabha success and Manjhi’s demand for relevance could test the alliance’s unity.
Mahagathbandhan’s Pitch: Change and Credibility
The Grand Alliance, led by Tejashwi Yadav, has positioned itself as the voice of youth and change.
Tejashwi is focusing on jobs, migration, and education to mobilize young voters.
Congress, through Rahul Gandhi’s “Voter Rights Yatra,” seeks to attract first-time and urban voters,
while the Left parties are concentrating on farmers and workers’ rights.
The opposition is also using Nitish Kumar’s “flip-flops” as evidence of a credibility crisis within the ruling coalition.
From Villages to Social Media: The Campaign Battlefield
In rural Bihar, caste and local equations remain decisive.
The NDA is appealing to the “beneficiary class” — those who have benefited from central and state welfare schemes.
BJP–JDU cadres are going door-to-door highlighting welfare achievements, while the Grand Alliance is rallying around “Employment and Dignity.”
Online, both sides are waging a fierce digital battle — on X (Twitter), Facebook, YouTube, and Reels.
Tejashwi Yadav and Chirag Paswan have emerged as symbols of a new-age youth leadership.
Women and Youth: Deciding the Direction
Women and youth are set to play a decisive role this time.
Schemes like the Bicycle Yojana, Nutrition Aid, and Women’s Reservation continue to resonate with female voters.
However, unemployment and inflation have created dissatisfaction among the youth, which the opposition hopes to harness.
While the NDA campaigns under “Empowered Women, Strong Bihar,” the Mahagathbandhan counters with “Equal Opportunity, Equal Rights.”
Election Commission Preparedness-The Election Commission has reviewed ground-level logistics, planning voting after the Chhath festival to ensure smooth participation.
Given security and administrative factors, polling will occur in two phases.
Sensitive booths have been identified, and additional security deployment is planned across districts.
The Future Political Arithmetic-
Today’s Bihar voter is more informed and issue-driven than ever.
Caste remains a factor, but development, education, and employment dominate public discourse.
The NDA enjoys a strong organizational network, while the Grand Alliance banks on youth energy and the promise of change.
If the NDA successfully balances Chirag Paswan’s and Manjhi’s seat demands, its unity may hold; otherwise, internal discord could open doors for the opposition.
Analysts predict that micro-caste equations, youth participation, and local leadership credibility will decide the outcome.
Conclusion: Battle Between Power and Credibility
In Bihar, power has always flowed through coalition politics.
For the NDA, this election will test unity and patience.
For the Grand Alliance, it’s a fight to prove credibility and provide an alternative vision.The voter mood appears centered around development and trust.
The coming weeks — marked by candidate selection and campaign strategy — will reveal whether Bihar chooses stability or change.One thing is certain:
The Bihar Assembly Election 2025 is not merely a contest for power, but a battle to redefine the state’s political culture and its democratic destiny.
