Bihar Election: Borders Closed for 72 Hours Ahead of Polls

Various border points along the India-Nepal frontier have been closed for 72 hours leading up to the second phase of the Bihar Assembly election, set for November 11, 2023. This measure aims to ensure security during the electoral process. Sanjay Kumar Pokhrel, Assistant Chief District Officer of Mahottari, confirmed the closure, stating, “All border points in Mahottari district have been sealed… The border points were closed from 18:00 on Saturday.”

Final Campaign Push from Political Leaders

The conclusion of the election campaign on November 5 saw leaders from both the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Mahagathbandhan making their final appeals to voters. Union Home Minister Amit Shah delivered a powerful address at a rally in Sasaram, emphasizing a strong nationalist stance. He warned of a “decisive response” to potential terror threats while announcing plans for a defence corridor in Bihar. “On this sacred land of Shaktipeeth, I am saying, if terrorists fire a bullet, hum goli ka jawab goley se denge,” he declared, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would establish an ordnance factory in the state.

In Patna, Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary reaffirmed the NDA’s commitment to continue supporting Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister if they secure victory. “Nitish Kumar is the Chief Minister today and will remain so,” he stated, reflecting the NDA’s confidence going into the election.

Allegations and Counterclaims

Rahul Gandhi, a prominent Congress leader, intensified his criticism of the BJP-led government, alleging “vote theft” and urging the youth of Bihar to remain vigilant. He accused key figures, including Modi and Shah, of undermining the electoral process. “I want that instead of Made in China, Made in Bihar should be written on mobile phones,” he asserted, highlighting Bihar’s industrial potential.

From the NDA’s perspective, Union Minister Rajnath Singh framed the election as a critical choice between development and the “jungle raj” of the past. “You have to decide whether to make Bihar a developed Bihar or take it back to jungle raj,” he stated at rallies in Gaya and Kaimur, while reiterating plans for a defence corridor aimed at boosting local industries and employment.

As the campaign period came to a close, Bihar finds itself at a pivotal moment. The results of the election, which will be declared on November 14, 2023, will shape the state’s political landscape for the foreseeable future. Voters will decide whether to continue under the NDA’s “double-engine” government or shift power back to the Mahagathbandhan, led by Tejashwi Yadav. Additionally, the newcomer Jan Suraaj party is expected to play a significant role in influencing the outcome.