As Bihar gears up for the 2025 assembly elections, political activity has intensified, with key leaders making significant announcements and accusations. On April 13, 2025, Jitan Ram Manjhi, the leader of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and a central minister, declared Rajendra Yadav as the party's first official candidate for the upcoming elections. This announcement was made during a workers' conference in the Kasba area of Purnia district, where Manjhi expressed confidence in his party's ability to secure a substantial number of seats. "This time, at least 20 of our legislators should reach the assembly to amplify the people's voice. We need at least 35 to 40 seats to contest the 2025 Bihar assembly elections," he stated.
In a separate political discourse, Union Minister Giriraj Singh commented on the opposition party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), stating that the 'Lalटेन' (Lalten), a symbol associated with the RJD, has migrated from Bihar. This remark comes as Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of the Opposition and former Deputy Chief Minister, criticized the Nitish Kumar government for its handling of the alcohol ban in the state. Yadav accused the government of using the ban as a tool for the mental and economic exploitation of the poor. "Ninety-nine percent of those arrested under this stringent law are from marginalized communities," Yadav claimed during a press conference.
Meanwhile, the Congress party has also voiced its concerns regarding the current administration. Jignesh Mevani, the executive president of the Congress's Gujarat unit, condemned the police's use of force against Congress workers protesting against unemployment and migration issues. This incident occurred just a day after the police clashed with demonstrators who were marching towards Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's official residence. Mevani characterized the police's actions as indicative of the 'fascist tendencies' of the Nitish Kumar-led government.
In a related development, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan met with leaders from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar on April 12, 2025, to strategize for the upcoming assembly elections. The meeting, attended by MLAs, MPs, and state and union ministers from ten districts, focused on ensuring the victory of NDA candidates in the elections scheduled for October-November 2025. Chouhan emphasized the need to replicate the NDA's successful performance from the Lok Sabha elections in these upcoming contests.
"The Prime Minister's visit to Bihar on April 24 is crucial for our campaign. He will address Panchayat representatives from ten districts and is expected to announce several new schemes that will benefit the state," Chouhan noted. His remarks highlight the importance of PM Modi's upcoming visit, which is anticipated to be a significant event for the NDA's electoral strategy.
In the Mithila region, where the meeting took place, the NDA currently holds most of the Lok Sabha seats, with over 65 assembly seats at stake. The BJP's state president, Dilip Jaiswal, mentioned that the Prime Minister's guidance during this program would be beneficial for public participation across various departments, reinforcing the NDA's commitment to development in Bihar.
As the political landscape in Bihar evolves, the rivalry between parties intensifies. Tejashwi Yadav's accusations against the Nitish Kumar government regarding the alcohol ban and police actions against Congress workers reflect the growing tensions in the lead-up to the elections. With the NDA aiming to consolidate its power and opposition parties rallying to challenge the status quo, the coming months will be crucial for Bihar's political future.
In this charged atmosphere, the stakes are high for all parties involved. The electorate's response to these developments will likely shape the outcome of the upcoming elections, making it a pivotal moment in Bihar's political narrative.
