PM Modi to Kick Off Bihar Poll Campaign with Twin Rallies on October 24
PM launches NDA campaign as INDIA bloc stumbles badly.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to electrify the Bihar Assembly election campaign on October 24, 2025, with two high-octane back-to-back rallies, signaling the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) aggressive push to retain power in the state. The move comes at a pivotal moment, as the ruling coalition aims to capitalize on the disarray within the opposition INDIA bloc, which continues to grapple with internal rifts and logistical hurdles just days before critical nomination deadlines.
The INDIA bloc's woes intensified on Saturday, October 18, 2025, with no clear resolution in sight. As the filing window for the second and final phase of the Bihar Assembly polls nears its close on October 20, the alliance—comprising the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and other partners—has been plagued by seat-sharing disputes and candidate selection delays. Sources within the bloc indicate ongoing negotiations, but the lack of consensus has left aspirants frustrated and voters uncertain, potentially handing an edge to the NDA's well-oiled machinery.
Compounding the opposition's troubles, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi, threw a curveball by announcing a list of 25 candidates for the Bihar elections on October 18. Notably, the list includes two non-Muslim candidates, broadening the party's outreach beyond its traditional base. Among the nominees is Akhtarul Iman, AIMIM's Bihar state president and the party's sole MLA in the assembly. This development has sparked speculation about potential vote-splitting in key constituencies, further complicating the INDIA bloc's strategy in Muslim-dominated areas.
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The RJD, a linchpin of the INDIA alliance, faced its own public embarrassment on Sunday, October 19, 2025. Ticket aspirant Madan Shah, overlooked for a nomination, staged a dramatic protest outside the party office, breaking down in tears, tearing off his clothes, and rolling on the ground in despair. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, has ignited criticism of the RJD's opaque ticket distribution process. Party leaders downplayed the episode as an emotional outburst, but it underscores the mounting pressure and discontent among local workers as the polls approach.
Even the NDA isn't immune to setbacks. On October 18, during the scrutiny of nomination papers, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas)—a key NDA ally—suffered a blow when candidate Seema Singh's papers for the Marhaura Assembly seat were rejected. The rejection, reportedly due to technical discrepancies, has forced the party to scramble for a replacement ahead of the November elections. LJP (RV) chief Chirag Paswan, who has been vocal about his ambitions in Bihar, vowed to appeal the decision, but the episode highlights the high-stakes scrutiny process that could disrupt campaign momentum.
As Bihar gears up for its multi-phase polls, expected to conclude by November 2025, Modi's rallies on October 24 are anticipated to draw massive crowds in strategic locations, focusing on themes of development, governance, and the NDA's track record under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Political analysts predict that the PM's star power could consolidate NDA votes, especially in the face of the opposition's disunity. With over 243 seats at stake, the outcome will not only shape Bihar's political landscape but also serve as a litmus test for national alliances ahead of future elections.
The Bihar Assembly elections, slated for late October to early November in multiple phases, promise a fiercely contested battle. Voter turnout, historically high in the state, will be crucial, and both camps are ramping up grassroots efforts. For the NDA, Modi's intervention is a timely boost; for the INDIA bloc, it's a wake-up call to iron out differences before it's too late. As the dust settles on nomination day, all eyes will be on how these early tremors influence the final showdown.
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