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COVER STORY OCTOBER 31, 2025 | The Indian Eye 5

emotional undercurrent. By invoking alliance must prove that it can mod-
his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, as the ernize its politics while preserving its
original voice of the poor and back- social justice legacy. Tejashwi Yadav’s
ward classes, he frames the election leadership will be tested on two fronts:
as a moral struggle against persecu- his ability to attract youth disenchant-
tion. “If Laluji didn’t fear Modi, will ed with joblessness and to hold to-
his son?” he asked defiantly. He has gether a broad coalition of caste, class,
promised multiple Deputy Chief Min- and ideology. A loss could weaken his
isters to represent Bihar’s diversity, standing as Lalu’s heir; a strong show-
naming Mukesh Sahani as one, and ing could catapult him into the nation-
pledging that others will come from al opposition space.
minority communities. The move is And for Prashant Kishor’s Jan
a political masterstroke — broaden- Suraaj, these elections are a baptism
ing his coalition’s social reach while by fire. Winning even a handful of
subtly countering the BJP’s Hindutva seats would signal the arrival of a new
appeal. centrist, reform-oriented alternative
For RJD, the 2025 election is in Bihar’s politics — something the
more than a fight for power; it’s an state hasn’t seen in decades. Kishor’s
ideological comeback. The party challenge is formidable: to convert
seeks to replace the stigma of “jungle admiration into votes and build cred-
raj” with the promise of social justice Vikassheel Insaan Party Chief, Mukesh Sahni presents bouquet to leader of opposition in Bihar ibility in a deeply polarized environ-
and renewal. Its strategy — emo- State Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, Bihar State Congress President, Rajesh Kumar and Former ment. But his rise could reshape the
tional outreach, caste consolidation, language of politics in Bihar, moving
and youth mobilization — could test Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot also present, in Patna on Thursday (ANI Photo) the debate from “who rules” to “how
the NDA’s stronghold in regions like we are governed.”
Mithilanchal, Bhojpur, and Seeman- gins in key constituencies, especially rents of power. WHY BIHAR MATTERS
chal. in North Bihar and Champaran. His For the NDA, a victory would
insistence that “people of Bihar have reaffirm the BJP’s dominance in the eyond its 243 assembly seats,
A THIRD VOICE RISING been voting out of compulsion, not Hindi heartland and consolidate its Bihar’s elections are a mirror
conviction” hints at an attempt to re- image of governance and stability. Ni- Bof India’s political mood. For
hile the BJP and RJD trade define Bihar’s political consciousness. tish Kumar’s continued partnership the BJP, a resounding victory would
charges, a quieter but po-
Wtentially disruptive cam- Even if Jan Suraaj doesn’t win big, it with the BJP remains critical for both strengthen its national narrative ahead
paign is unfolding under Prashant could play spoiler in tight races, frag- — for the BJP to maintain its northern of 2026 — that welfare, infrastructure,
coalition, and for Nitish to preserve
and governance can overcome anti-in-
menting the anti-incumbency vote or
Kishor’s Jan Suraaj. Once the master drawing away disillusioned youth from relevance in the twilight of his political cumbency. For the opposition, Bihar
strategist behind Modi’s and Nitish both alliances. career. A strong win would also allow offers a laboratory to test coalition
Kumar’s electoral triumphs, Kishor Modi to showcase Bihar as proof that unity and social mobilization in a state
now casts himself as Bihar’s reform- STAKES HIGHER THAN EVER “development politics” trumps caste where caste identities remain power-
er-in-waiting — the man determined arithmetic. ful but aspirations are rapidly shifting.
to “end political bonded labour.” he 2025 Bihar Assembly elec- For the RJD-led Mahagathband- The outcome will also influence
Campaigning in West Cham-
tions are not just about who
paran, Kishor’s speeches are less fiery Tgoverns Patna — they are a po- han, this election is existential. Having the shape of the national opposi-
tion bloc. If the Mahagathbandhan
tasted power intermittently but strug-
but no less pointed. “A bullet train litical test for India’s three major cur- gled with internal contradictions, the performs well, it could embolden
worth ₹1 lakh crore is being built in regional parties in Uttar Pradesh
Gujarat, while Bihar’s youth struggle and Jharkhand to pursue stronger
to get a seat in a train to come home anti-BJP coordination. If the NDA
for Chhath,” he said — a line that has sweeps again, it would confirm the
gone viral across Bihar’s villages. His BJP’s continued dominance in India’s
message — that both the NDA and heartland, giving Modi a symbolic vic-
RJD have reduced Bihar’s voters to tory over both old rivals and new re-
captive electorates of fear — reso- formers.
nates deeply among first-time voters Meanwhile, the emergence of
and the middle class. Prashant Kishor introduces a wildcard
Kishor’s Jan Suraaj movement,
launched over three years ago, has — a reminder that Bihar’s political
soil, though shaped by tradition, is fer-
been systematically building grass- tile for disruption.
roots networks in all 243 constitu- As Bihar prepares to vote on No-
encies. The campaign’s strength lies vember 6 and 11, the campaign trails
not in charisma but organization: of Modi, Tejashwi, and Kishor reveal
padayatras, citizen consultations, and a state standing at a crossroads. The
promises of local governance reform. prime minister’s rallies evoke pride in
His slogan, “Vote for yourself, not progress and fear of regression; the
for fear,” encapsulates a challenge to RJD’s counters promise justice, jobs,
both Modi’s and Tejashwi’s personal- and dignity; and Kishor’s quiet revolu-
ity-driven politics. tion whispers of renewal.
Analysts say Kishor’s impact may
Together, they make this election
not immediately translate into seats, Jan Suraaj Party Chief, Prashant Kishor during election campaign, not just a contest for power — but a
but it could significantly affect mar- in Saran on Wednesday (ANI Photo)
struggle for the political soul of Bihar.

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