The scrutiny of nomination papers for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections was completed today. In this phase, polling will be held on the 6th November across 121 assembly constituencies in 18 districts of the state. The last date for withdrawal of nomination papers is October 20.
Meanwhile, the nomination paper of NDA-supported Lok Janshakti Party candidate Seema Singh has been rejected due to technical reason. She had filed her nomination from the Marhaura constituency in Saran district. Following this development, now the NDA have to contest elections on 242 seats.
The process of filing nominations for the second phase of elections has also gained momentum. Several prominent candidates filed their papers today. Former Deputy Chief Minister Tarkishore Prasad filed his nomination as a BJP candidate from Katihar constituency.
State Minister Jama Khan filed nomination as a JD(U) candidate from Kaimur, while Jayant Raj filed from Amarpur as a JD(U) nominee.
In the Warisaliganj constituency of Nawada, RJD candidate Anita Devi submitted her nomination, and JD(U) rebel leader Gopal Mandal filed from Gopalpur in Bhagalpur district.
Political parties, including the NDA and the Grand Alliance, have intensified their election campaigns. Our correspondent reports that Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states have joined rallies in support of NDA candidates.
In Bihar assembly elections, a galaxy of star campaigners have descended in support of NDA supported candidates.
Chief Ministers of Haryana, Tripura, Odisha, and Goa addressed public meetings in support of NDA candidates. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini campaigned in Katihar and Triveniganj, asserting that people of Bihar will vote on development issues and that the NDA will win by a large majority.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel addressed rallies in Arwal, while Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha held meetings in Narkatiaganj and Bagaha. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi campaigned in Banka, and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant attended election rallies in Madhubani.
Meanwhile, the RJD, Congress, and Left parties have also intensified their campaigns. Senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel stated that public anger against the NDA is at its peak in this election. RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwari alleged that there is discontent over leadership within the NDA, and that some constituent parties are not supporting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for another term.