Patna: Campaigning for the second and final phase of the high-stakes Bihar Assembly elections concluded on Sunday evening, marking the end of an intense month-long political battle marked by fiery exchanges, massive rallies, and high-decibel canvassing by national leaders from rival camps.
The second phase, scheduled for November 11, will see polling in 122 assembly constituencies, while 121 seats went to polls in the first phase on November 6, which recorded an impressive 65 per cent voter turnout. Counting of votes will take place on November 14.
Among the key constituencies in this round are Chakai, where JD(U) minister Sumit Kumar Singh is seeking re-election, BJP MLA Shreyasi Singh’s Jamui, JD(U) minister Leshi Singh’s Dhamdaha, and BJP minister Neeraj Kumar Singh’s Chhatapur.
The campaign finale witnessed top leaders of both the NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc crisscrossing the state. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi led the final push.
Gandhi addressed rallies in Kishanganj and Purnea, appealing to minority voters, while Shah and Singh targeted key constituencies where the BJP faces tough contests.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 14 rallies and a roadshow formed the centrepiece of the BJP-led NDA campaign, complemented by star campaigners including JP Nadda, Nitin Gadkari, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also made her debut on Bihar’s campaign trail, addressing multiple rallies.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, seeking a fifth term, led a quieter but persistent campaign, while opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD mounted a spirited challenge, positioning himself as the INDIA bloc’s chief ministerial candidate.
Political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party added an unpredictable dimension with its grassroots-focused campaign, making the Bihar elections a closely watched political contest.
