Shah reached Patna on October 23 and is scheduled to address election rallies across multiple districts over three days. On October 24, he will speak at rallies in Siwan and Buxar, followed by events in Biharsharif, Munger, and Khagaria on October 25. His visit comes at a crucial time as the NDA focuses on consolidating its position ahead of the two-phase elections scheduled for November 6 and 11.
Nadda's Campaign Trail
BJP National President J.P. Nadda is also in Bihar for a one-day visit, addressing election rallies in the Goh and Patepur constituencies. At his rally in Aurangabad's Goh, Nadda launched a scathing attack on the opposition Mahagathbandhan, calling it a "symbol of destruction" while positioning the NDA as the face of development.
Nadda specifically targeted the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), describing it as representing "extortion, jungle raj, and bullying". Speaking at Patepur in Vaishali, he said, "RJD means extortion, jungle raj, and bullying. Those who take land for jobs, will they give you jobs?".
PM Modi's Virtual Outreach
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to interact with BJP-NDA workers today at 6 PM through the 'Mera Booth Sabse Majboot' campaign. Modi personally announced the session on social media, emphasizing that party workers are "working with unprecedented energy and dedication to ensure the victory of BJP-led NDA in the Bihar assembly elections".
This marks Modi's second virtual interaction with Bihar workers this month, following a similar session on October 15. The Prime Minister will address poll strategies and encourage grassroots mobilization ahead of his physical rallies in Bihar starting October 24.
Gopal Mandal's Emotional Appeal
In a dramatic development, independent MLA Gopal Mandal from Gopalpur in Bhagalpur made an emotional appeal during his campaign after being denied a ticket by the JD(U). The four-time MLA, who filed his nomination as an independent candidate on October 18, told supporters he would win by 15,000 votes and then approach Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
"Earlier I was your Arjun; now, after winning, I am Eklavya. Whatever you wish—cut my thumb or take my head," Mandal said emotionally during his campaign. He added that if he loses as an independent, he will never contest elections again.
Mandal alleged that "money games" worth around Rs 3 crore influenced ticket distribution in Gopalpur, where the JD(U) has instead fielded Shailesh Kumar (Bulo Mandal).
NDA Targets Tejashwi's Promises
The BJP and JD(U) have launched coordinated attacks on RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav following his announcement of four major promises, including permanent government jobs with Rs 30,000 monthly salary for Jeevika workers.
BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi questioned the financial viability of Tejashwi's promises during a press conference in Delhi. "Tejashwi Yadav has promised 10 lakh jobs, but its actual meaning is that they will give a job for Rs 10 lakhs. It means now they will take house and property for a job, like earlier they took land for a job," Trivedi said.
He calculated that providing government jobs to one member of each family in Bihar—estimated at 2.9 crore families—with an average salary of Rs 75,000 would cost approximately Rs 29 lakh crore, far exceeding Bihar's current budget of around Rs 3.17 lakh crore.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also criticized Tejashwi, stating that his family "looted the people of Bihar for 15 years" and "couldn't provide government jobs to 1 lakh people when in power".
With both national and state-level leaders intensifying their campaigns, Bihar's assembly elections are shaping up to be a fierce contest between the NDA's development narrative and the Mahagathbandhan's welfare promises.
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