Bihar Election 2025: Voting likely in two phases, dates to be announced soon

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will attempt to regain public confidence after more than 20 years of rule. The opposition is highlighting issues such as unemployment, corruption, and vote theft.

Patna: Election activity has intensified in Bihar politics. The upcoming assembly elections are expected to be held in the first week of October. The Election Commission may announce the election dates soon. This time, the elections are expected to be held in two phases, with the main contest being between the NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc.

Electoral Battle: NDA vs. Opposition

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will attempt to regain public confidence after more than 20 years of rule. The opposition is highlighting issues such as unemployment, corruption, and vote theft. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is on a statewide tour and has alleged "vote theft." RJD's Tejashwi Yadav is campaigning by highlighting the issues of unemployment and corruption.

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Caste Survey Shifts Political Direction

The caste survey conducted in 2023 presented a new picture of Bihar's social structure. The backward and extremely backward classes together constitute 63% of the state's population. Yadavs constitute 14%, EBCs 36%, Scheduled Castes 19%, and upper castes approximately 15%. The Muslim community accounts for 17%, many of whom belong to the OBC category. Following this survey, the Nitish Kumar government increased reservations in jobs and education from 50% to 65%, and also issued a 10% reservation for the economically weaker sections. Although the Patna High Court has stayed this decision, the move has strengthened Nitish's image as an OBC leader.

Central Government Strategy and Its Impact

The central government approved the National Caste Census in April 2025, giving the BJP an opportunity to weaken the opposition's caste-based issues. Analysts believe this move will help the BJP consolidate Hindu unity and strengthen its hold on the OBC vote bank.

NDA's Electoral Strategy

In the NDA, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will rely on his experience and the strength of the alliance. Together with the BJP, he will strive to convey a message of development and stability. Securing upper caste and OBC votes will be their priority to balance caste equations.

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Opposition Strategy

The opposition has focused the election on unemployment, migration, and corruption. Rahul Gandhi has raised the issue of vote theft at the national level, while Tejashwi Yadav is strengthening his political influence through local issues.

The 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections will be a battle of caste equations, reservation policies, and issues such as development versus corruption. The elections will be held in two phases, and political parties are trying to influence voters with their own strategies. This election could bring new changes and equations to Bihar politics, determining the state's future.