Exclusive: Amit Shah's 160+ Seat Vow For Bihar, Warns Of 'New Jungle Raj' Under Tejashwi

Bihar Election: Experts Decode If Cracks in NDA & Mahagathbandhan Will Prove Decisive

This special report offers an in-depth analysis of the first phase of the Bihar elections, focusing on the contest for 121 seats between Nitish Kumar's NDA and Tejashwi Yadav's Mahagathbandhan. Political analysts, including Maria Shakir, Pradeep Gupta, Manisha Priyam, and Rajdeep Sardesai, provide expert insights into the electoral dynamics. The discussion examines the enduring influence of leaders like Nitish Kumar, with 20 years in power, and Lalu Yadav, with 15 years, on the state's political narrative. Experts delve into the intricate caste arithmetic, highlighting the critical role of Dalit (Paswan and Jatav) and Malla vote banks, with Pradeep Gupta asserting their collective 20% share as a decisive factor. The report also explores the "MY" factor, emphasizing the impact of Mahila (women) and Yuva (youth) voters. It investigates whether Nitish Kumar's cultivated female vote bank, bolstered by schemes such as the ₹10,000 assistance for Jeevika members, can overcome voter fatigue and the spirited challenge from the opposition alliance. The potential influence of disruptors like Prashant Kishor and internal challenges within both the NDA and Mahagathbandhan are also discussed, providing a comprehensive overview of the Bihar Assembly election.