Bihar's election campaign is facing significant challenges as internal conflicts within the INDIA bloc threaten to disrupt their strategy. With the deadline for filing nomination papers for the second phase approaching on Monday, tensions are rising as some partners are contesting against each other without any withdrawals reported as of Sunday. The RJD and Congress have not intervened to resolve these disputes, raising concerns among voters.
In contrast, the NDA is actively campaigning, with Union Minister Amit Shah recently concluding a three-day visit to Bihar. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is currently in the state, and Chief Ministers from Goa, Haryana, and Tripura have been addressing rallies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to kick off his campaign in Bihar from Samastipur on October 24.
Congress MP Tariq Anwar from Katihar emphasized the need for unity among INDIA bloc leaders, stating, "The INDIA bloc leaders need to sit together and tell the people that ‘we are united’ and there is no conflict among us." He expressed hope that the internal issues would be resolved by the nomination deadline, urging against any "friendly fight" among candidates.
Despite the rising tensions, key leaders from the INDIA bloc have been largely absent from the campaign trail. RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav is reportedly strategizing in Patna, while there is uncertainty regarding the campaign plans of prominent Congress figures like Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. RJD spokesperson Chitranjan Gagan attempted to alleviate concerns, stating that Tejashwi would begin campaigning after Diwali and that he is contesting all 243 seats in Bihar, despite filing his nomination from Raghopur.
Protests have erupted across the state due to ticket denials, with candidates expressing their despair dramatically. In Patna, RJD aspirant Madan Shah was seen in tears outside former CM Rabri Devi's residence, lamenting the loss of a promised ticket. Another candidate, Usha Devi, who has been with the RJD for two decades, expressed her heartbreak over not receiving a ticket but vowed to support the party.
In Gopalganj, former RJD legislator Reyazul Haq Raju broke down during a live session over not being nominated, while Afaque Alam, a former Congress legislator, accused party leaders of corruption in the ticket distribution process. He claimed that dedicated party workers are being overlooked in favor of outsiders, stating, "The state unit of Congress has now become hostage in the hands of ‘personal brokers of some leaders’."
As the first phase of polling approaches on November 6, the internal strife within the INDIA bloc and the protests from candidates could significantly impact their electoral prospects in Bihar.