Bihar on Edge as Election Results Near

Patna, Nov 12: With the Bihar Assembly election results set to be announced on November 14, the opposition Mahagathbandhan alliance has gone on the defensive — or rather, the offensive — in ensuring its newly elected MLAs remain secure from alleged poaching attempts.

Fearing a repeat of past defections and political upheavals, the alliance, spearheaded by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), has drawn up a comprehensive plan to safeguard its legislators once the results are declared. The move underscores heightened political tension in the state, where even before the final count, backroom strategies are in full swing.

RJD’s Contingency Plan to Secure MLAs in Patna

As the largest party in the alliance, the RJD will take the lead in mobilising and securing its winning candidates. According to sources, Tejashwi Yadav has directed that all victorious RJD MLAs report to Patna immediately after the results to prevent any possible defection attempts.

Party functionaries are reportedly finalising accommodation and logistics arrangements to ensure the legislators stay together under tight supervision until the government formation process concludes.

Smaller Allies Turn to INDIA Bloc States for Support

Among Mahagathbandhan’s smaller partners, Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani has outlined an independent safeguard plan. If victorious, he plans to fly his MLAs to West Bengal, a state governed by INDIA bloc ally Mamata Banerjee, to avoid potential horse-trading.

Similarly, the Congress — another key constituent of the alliance — has instructed its observers to accompany successful MLAs to Patna first, after which they may be relocated to Karnataka or Telangana, both Congress-ruled states, if the situation demands.

Congress leadership has also extended this protection arrangement to smaller party MLAs and independents aligned with the opposition bloc, indicating a coordinated approach within the INDIA alliance.

Unprecedented Voter Turnout Fuels Political Speculation

The cautious strategy follows an exceptionally high voter turnout of 67.14% in the second phase of polling — the highest ever in Bihar’s electoral history. Analysts believe the surge in participation could signal a tight contest.

While Prashant Kishor, chief of the Prashant Kishor Party, claims the record turnout reflects support for his outfit, the Mahagathbandhan leadership, particularly Tejashwi Yadav, remains optimistic about forming the next government.

Political History Fuels Apprehension

Bihar’s turbulent political past — marked by frequent alliance breakups and power shifts — has clearly influenced the Mahagathbandhan’s preemptive strategy. The alliance appears determined to prevent any post-result political engineering by rival camps once the final numbers are out.

As the state awaits results with bated breath, both camps — the ruling and the opposition — are reportedly on high alert. With high stakes and a close fight expected, Bihar’s political theatre seems set for yet another dramatic act.

The post Mahagathbandhan’s Plan to Shield MLAs from Horse-Trading Post-Bihar Election appeared first on Odisha Connect.

Bihar Records Highest-Ever Voter Turnout

In a historic first round of assembly elections, Bihar witnessed an unprecedented 64.66 percent voter turnout across 121 constituencies in 18 districts — the highest ever in the state’s electoral history.
This surpasses the previous record of 62.57 percent in 2000, sparking widespread speculation about a potential comeback for the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-Congress alliance, reminiscent of past high-turnout victories.

Political Stakes and Key Contenders

The high participation has set off a political storm, with 1,314 candidates in the fray, including major figures like Tejashwi Yadav, the Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial aspirant, and the NDA’s Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, along with several ministers.
As the next round of polling for 122 seats approaches, political parties are intensifying campaigns across Bihar.

Election Commission’s Enthusiasm Amid Controversy

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has expressed satisfaction over the enthusiastic voter turnout, though the process hasn’t been free from controversy.
Debates continue around the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, which opposition parties have condemned as flawed and biased. Despite these challenges, the high turnout signals a renewed public engagement in the democratic process.

History Suggests High Turnout Favors RJD

Historically, Bihar’s voter turnout exceeding 60 percent has often favored Lalu Prasad Yadav’s political lineage.

• 1990: With 62.04% turnout, Janata Dal under Lalu Yadav won 122 seats, riding on the Mandal wave.

• 1995: Another 61.79% turnout gave the Janata Dal 167 seats, consolidating Lalu’s power.

• 2000: RJD, led by Rabri Devi, benefited again with a 62.57% turnout, securing power even after the state’s bifurcation.

In contrast, lower turnouts in later years marked the rise of Nitish Kumar and the NDA’s dominance, with figures between 46% and 57% from 2005 to 2020.

The Return of RJD’s Golden Days?

This massive voter engagement has rejuvenated hopes in the RJD camp, with Tejashwi Yadav reportedly confident of turning the tide.
Many political observers see this as a potential return to the party’s “golden days,” which could challenge Nitish Kumar’s two-decade hold on Bihar’s politics.

However, as the state awaits counting on November 14, the final outcome remains uncertain. The mood on the ground, though, is clear — Bihar’s electorate wants change, accountability, and a government that addresses migration, employment, and governance issues.

The post History Repeats? Record Polling Boosts Tejashwi’s CM Dreams appeared first on Odisha Connect.