Key Issues Driving Bihar Assembly Elections: Unemployment, Special Status, and Caste-Based Reservations

The Mahagathbandhan aims to build upon their surprisingly strong performance from 2020 as they prepare for the upcoming elections.

Patna:

Unemployment concerns, special status demands, Special Intensive Revision (SIR), and caste-based reservation policies are emerging as central issues for the Bihar assembly elections, with both the ruling NDA coalition and the Opposition INDIA bloc positioning themselves for the crucial polls scheduled next month.

On Monday, the Election Commission announced that voting would take place in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results to be declared on November 14.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, though considered past his political zenith, remains a significant force within the NDA coalition, which also includes allies Jitan Ram Manjhi, Chirag Paswan, and Upendra Kushwaha, with BJP serving as the primary constituent.

The opposition Mahagathbandhan consists of the RJD-Congress alliance, which has formed partnerships with CPI(ML) Liberation and other coalition members.

The opposition coalition hopes to capitalize on their better-than-anticipated performance in the 2020 elections.

Key electoral issues likely to dominate the campaign include:

Special Intensive Revision: This will be a fundamental point of contention, with INDIA bloc representatives consistently accusing the Election Commission of engaging in 'vote theft,' despite the commission's firm denials of such allegations.

The opposition is expected to highlight perceived deterioration in law and order throughout Bihar. Meanwhile, the governing alliance maintains that security conditions are stable and law enforcement agencies are operating effectively.

The NDA will emphasize various welfare initiatives recently implemented by their governments at both central and state levels to attract voters, while opposition parties will focus on unaddressed issues during Nitish Kumar's administration.

Worker migration from Bihar, particularly among young job seekers, will be another critical issue raised by the opposition. INDIA bloc leaders are likely to criticize the NDA government for failing to create sufficient employment opportunities within the state.

Special Status for Bihar: Although Nitish Kumar has long advocated for special status designation for Bihar, opposition parties intend to use this unfulfilled demand as a point of criticism against the NDA, despite JD(U)'s alliance with BJP at the national level.

Reservation Policies: Both political alliances claim credit for expanded quotas benefiting disadvantaged communities following Bihar's caste-based survey. With Congress leader Rahul Gandhi advocating for a nationwide caste census, the election might revive the "Mandal versus Kamandal" political narrative, contrasting social justice politics against Hindutva-oriented ideology.