As Bihar heads to the polls in November, three political figures stand at the crossroads of their careers, each carrying the weight of their party's future on their shoulders.
The Election Commission has announced polling dates for November 6 and 11, with results on November 14. But beyond the dates and schedules, this election is shaping up to be a crucial test for three men whose political fates hang in the balance.
At 74, Nitish Kumar has been Bihar's chief minister for two decades. The JD(U) chief, once hailed as 'Sushashan Babu' for bringing development to the state, now faces uncomfortable questions. Recent viral videos have sparked concerns about his health, with critics questioning whether he's still fit for the top job.
What makes this election particularly significant for Kumar is the absence of any BJP-backed alternative. He's leading the coalition, which means this could either be his triumphant 10th term as chief minister or the final chapter of his political dominance in Bihar. For a leader known more recently for switching alliances than governance, this election is about legacy.
Tejashwi Yadav, 35, carries a different kind of burden. As Lalu Prasad Yadav's son, he's been running the RJD single-handedly while his father battles ill health. The 2020 elections saw RJD emerge as the single-largest party with 75 seats, but a disappointing performance by ally Congress crushed their hopes of forming the government.
This time, Tejashwi isn't leaving anything to chance. He's been everywhere—joining Rahul Gandhi's Voter Adhikar Yatra and leading his own Bihar Adhikar Yatra across the state. After a lukewarm performance in last year's Lok Sabha elections, he knows this is his chance to prove he can step out of his father's shadow and deliver a decisive victory. The young leader faces the BJP's well-oiled election machine, and anything less than a strong performance could raise questions about his leadership.
Then there's Prashant Kishor, the poll strategist who's decided to stop advising parties and start leading one. His Jan Suraaj Party is making its electoral debut, and Kishor claims significant grassroots support following his 2022 yatra through Bihar.
Mainstream politicians have dismissed him as a publicity-seeking outsider, with some comparing him to Arvind Kejriwal. His social media campaigns have generated buzz, but converting online hype into votes is an entirely different game. This election will reveal whether Kishor's behind-the-scenes success can translate into front-line politics or if he's just another strategist out of his depth.
Bihar's political landscape has always been unpredictable, but this election feels different. A veteran fighting to preserve his legacy, a young leader trying to emerge from his father's shadow, and a strategist-turned-politician attempting an improbable debut—their stories will define not just this election, but possibly Bihar's political direction for years to come.
The answer arrives on November 14.
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