As the Bihar Assembly elections inch closer, the political temperature in the state is rising. Bihar, historically known for its vibrant democratic participation, is once again witnessing troubling signs of polarisation.

In recent weeks, two disturbing incidents, the defacement of a Goddess Durga idol in Purnia and a dispute over the immersion of Baba Vishwakarma’s idol in Darbhanga, have jolted the state’s peaceful atmosphere.

These are not isolated incidents. They come at a critical juncture when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)–Janata Dal (United) [JDU] alliance is showcasing massive development projects, while the opposition, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and supported by the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), appears to be relying heavily on vote-bank politics.

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