Nitish Kumar Appeals to Voters Days Before Bihar Polls
Five days ahead of the first phase of the Bihar assembly elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar released a recorded video message urging citizens to vote in large numbers for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He thanked voters for their support for his party, Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), since 2005 and highlighted achievements made under his leadership. He said his government “worked for all” sections of society, including Hindus, Muslims, upper castes, backward, extremely backward, Dalits and Mahadalits, adding that it did “not do anything for our family.”
Key Highlights and Critique of Opposition
In the message, Kumar contrasted his administration’s performance with past governance: “Earlier, being called a Bihari was an insult; now it is a matter of honour.” He also took a veiled dig at the opposition, referencing dynastic politics without naming names. The CM insisted his government improved law & order, education, health, infrastructure, electricity, agriculture and youth employment. He credited both the state and central governments under the NDA for the pace of development in Bihar.
Election Context and Call to Action
The 243-seat Bihar legislative assembly will vote in two phases on 6 and 11 November, with results due on 14 November. Under the current seat-sharing arrangement, the BJP and JD(U) each contest 101 seats, while allied parties contest the remaining. Nitish Kumar asked voters to “give us one more chance” so that Bihar could be made one of India’s top states, emphasising the importance of turnout for the NDA’s victory.
