Bihar is all set for the second and final phase of assembly elections on Tuesday, November 11, with the stakes high for both the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc. The electoral fate of 1,302 candidates, including over half a dozen ministers in the Nitish Kumar-led government, will be decided by 3.7 crore voters across 122 constituencies.
Security arrangements have been tightened across Bihar, with more than four lakh personnel deployed to ensure smooth polling. Bomb disposal squads and paramilitary forces are on alert, and senior officials have been instructed to personally oversee arrangements on polling day.
Key constituencies
The final round of voting spans several northern and eastern districts -- West Champaran, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, and Kishanganj -- any of which border Nepal.
The Seemanchal belt, stretching across Araria, Kishanganj, and Supaul, is being closely watched for its religious and caste complexities. The Champaran region, on the other hand, will test the BJP’s hold among traditional upper-caste and OBC voters.
This region holds a significant Muslim population, making it a decisive battleground for both alliances.
For the NDA, which accuses the opposition of “protecting infiltrators,” and for the INDIA bloc, which relies heavily on minority support, the Seemanchal vote could shape the final outcome.
Key constituencies and heavyweights in the fray
Among the most high-profile candidates is Bijendra Prasad Yadav, a veteran JD(U) leader and the state’s senior-most cabinet member, who seeks to retain his Supaul seat for an eighth term.
His colleague Prem Kumar (BJP), contesting from Gaya Town, hopes for an eighth straight victory since 1990. Other ministers in the fray include Renu Devi (Bettiah), Neeraj Kumar Singh “Bablu” (Chhatapur), Leshi Singh (Dhamdaha), Sheela Mandal (Phulparas), and Zama Khan (Chainpur).
Former deputy CM Tarkishore Prasad of the BJP will test his strength in Katihar, aiming for a fifth consecutive term.
Smaller allies, bigger tests
For smaller NDA allies like Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM), this phase is a litmus test.
HAM, which is contesting six seats, including Imamganj (held by Manjhi’s daughter-in-law Dipa), will look to retain its turf.
RLM, still new to Bihar politics, has fielded Upendra Kushwaha’s wife Snehlata (Sasaram) and Madhaw Anand (Madhubani), both making their debut.
Notable opposition faces
On the INDIA bloc’s side, Congress state president Rajesh Kumar is defending Kutumba, while CPI(ML)’s Mehboob Alam (Balrampur) and Congress’s Shakeel Ahmad Khan (Kadwa) aim for hat-trick wins.
A fresh face to watch is Chanakya Prakash Ranjan, son of JD(U) MP Giridhari Yadav, who defected to the RJD and is contesting Belhar — a contest that’s stirred interest for its dynastic twist.
Turncoats and crossovers
This phase also features several political turncoats:
- Sangita Kumari, ex-RJD MLA from Mohania, now contesting for the BJP.
- Vibha Devi, who switched from RJD to JD(U), contests from Nawada.
- Murari Gautam, formerly a Congress minister, now fights from Chenari under LJP (Ram Vilas).
Voting will take place at 45,399 polling stations, with 40,073 in rural areas. Of the 3.7 crore voters, 1.75 crore are women, and more than half (2.28 crore) are aged between 30 and 60 years.
The Hisua seat in Nawada has the largest electorate at 3.67 lakh, while Lauria, Chanpatia, Raxaul, Triveniganj, Sugauli, and Banmakhi each have 22 candidates vying for victory.
Looking back at phase 1
The first phase of polling, held across 121 constituencies, recorded the highest-ever voter turnout in the state's electoral history, over 65%, setting the stage for a nail-biting finale in phase 2.
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