Amit Shah Refutes Rumors of Bihar Regime Change After Phase 1 Voting

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has firmly denied speculation about a possible regime change in Bihar following the Phase 1 polling. Shah dismissed rumors suggesting that the increased voter turnout indicates a shift in political power.

“There will be no change in the Bihar government,” Shah asserted, adding that the NDA alliance will secure a two-thirds majority in the state assembly.

Record Turnout Fuels Political Speculation

A record 64.66% voter turnout was recorded across 121 seats in 18 districts during the first phase of voting on November 6. This spike led to conjecture, as higher turnouts in Bihar have historically coincided with regime changes.

For instance, congress suffered its first defeat in 1967 when turnout jumped from 44.5% to 51.5%. Similarly, Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Janata Dal came to power in 1990 following a 62% turnout. In 2005, a sharp decline of 16% ended RJD’s dominance and ushered in Nitish Kumar’s JD(U).

With an 8.5% increase this time, political analysts are again questioning if history will repeat itself.

NDA’s Confidence and Development Pitch

Refuting the speculation, Shah emphasized the NDA’s unity and performance record, citing the alliance between BJP, JD(U), LJP (Ramvilas), RLSP, and Hindustan Awam Morcha.

“The NDA will win more than 160 seats in Bihar-it will be a Landslide victory,” Shah declared, dismissing the Mahagathbandhan’s promise of “one government job per household” as unrealistic.

When asked if women voters boosted his confidence, Shah replied, “Why only women? Everyone supports us-women, youth, farmers, and laborers. The NDA’s development model has reached every household.”

Seemanchal in Focus for Phase 2

The second phase of elections will take place in the Seemanchal region, home to a significant Extremely Backward Class (EBC) population. Shah asserted that the NDA enjoys solid support in this region due to welfare schemes and developmental initiatives.

Highlighting the achievements, he said: “Over 85 lakh Bihar farmers received subsidies under the PM-Kisan Yojana, with payments increasing from ₹6,000 to ₹9,000. Under Ayushman Bharat, more than 3.5 crore people got free treatment worth ₹5 lakh. Additionally, 3.3 lakh homes have toilets, and 3.65 crore households now have access to drinking water.”

BJP’s Stronghold and Election Strategy

The Seemanchal belt includes 24 Assembly seats-seven in Purnia, six in Araria, four in Kishanganj, and seven in Katihar. The BJP has historically performed well here, winning 8 seats in 2020, 13 in 2010, and 9 in 2005.

“Our pride will rise with our seat count. We are confident of a sweeping win in Seemanchal,” Shah said.

Attack on Opposition and Vote-Bank Politics

Addressing a massive rally in Purnea, Shah took a sharp dig at Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rahul Gandhi, accusing the Mahagathbandhan of promoting vote-bank politics through their “Ghuspaithiya Bachao Yatra.”

“Such leaders can never come to power in Bihar. We will launch a crackdown on infiltration similar to our fight against Naxalism,” he declared.

Final Phase and Results Date

The final phase of Bihar Assembly elections for the remaining 122 seats will take place on November 11. The vote counting and results will be announced on November 14.