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Political campaigns

Bihar Elections: INDIA Bloc Faces Internal Friction, Opponent NDA Campaigns in Full Swing

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc, a coalition of opposition parties in Bihar, is grappling with internal friction that is threatening to derail its election campaign. While the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is in full swing with its campaign, the INDIA bloc's leaders have been largely absent from the campaign trail, and the filing of nomination papers for the second phase closes on Monday. This internal discord is casting a worrying signal to voters, who are waiting to see if the INDIA bloc can put its act together before the first phase of polling on November 6.

Key Takeaways:

  • The INDIA bloc has witnessed internal friction, with some seats experiencing party partners fielding candidates against each other, despite none of them withdrawing their nominations.
  • Top INDIA bloc leaders, including RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Priyanka Gandhi, have been largely absent from the campaign trail.
  • The denial of tickets has triggered dramatic protests across the state, with candidates tearing their kurtas, crying bitterly, and threatening to teach lessons to official nominees.
  • State RJD spokesperson Chitranjan Gagan downplayed the concerns, stating that Tejashwi will embark on a poll campaign after Diwali.
  • Candidates have been seen rolling on the ground, tearing their kurtas, crying bitterly before the camera, and threatening to teach lessons to official nominees.
  • The chaos comes just a fortnight before the first phase of polling on November 6.

Statistics:

  • 243 seats are up for grabs in the Bihar elections.
  • The first phase of polling is scheduled to take place on November 6.
  • The second phase of polling is scheduled to take place on November 12.
  • The results of the election are expected to be announced on November 12.
  • The INDIA bloc has been struggling to present a united front in the campaign, despite the NDA's efforts to capitalize on its internal friction.

Sources:

  • Tariq Anwar, Congress MP from Katihar, as told to TOI on Sunday.
  • Chitranjan Gagan, state RJD spokesperson.
  • Times of India article, "Bihar elections: INDIA bloc leaders absent from campaign trail", accessed on [no date].

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