Bihar Election Phase Debate: BJP Pushes for Two Phases as Ally JD(U) Demands Single Poll
A clear divide has emerged within Bihar’s ruling NDA alliance over the schedule for the upcoming state assembly elections. While the BJP has urged the Election Commission to hold the polls in a maximum of two phases, its key partner, the Janata Dal (United), has advocated for a single-phase election.
The differing views were presented to the full bench of the Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, during a meeting with political parties in Patna on Saturday. The EC is on a two-day visit to review preparedness, with the election dates expected to be announced soon.
The JD(U), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, argued that Bihar’s improved law and order situation makes a single-phase election feasible. Party leader Sanjay Kumar Jha stated, “If elections can be held in a single phase in Maharashtra, why not in Bihar?” The party also suggested aligning the poll date with the Chhath festival to capitalize on the return of migrant workers, which could boost voter turnout.
In contrast, the BJP emphasized the practical and financial burdens of a multi-phase exercise. State BJP president Dilip Kumar Jaiswal said conducting polls in multiple phases increases expenditure and disrupts development work, making a two-phase schedule the ideal compromise.
Other major parties also weighed in. The RJD supported a two-phase poll but raised concerns about alleged pre-poll bribing by the state government, urging the EC to take immediate action. The Congress stated that the number of phases was less important than ensuring total transparency in the voting process.
The term of the 243-member Bihar assembly ends on November 22. The last elections in 2020 were conducted in three phases due to COVID-19 restrictions.
