As Bihar gears up for its Legislative Assembly elections on November 6 and 11, 2025, the state is witnessing a fiercely contested showdown between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition INDIA bloc, also known as the Mahagathbandhan. Polling will determine the fate of 243 seats, with results expected shortly after, shaping the next government's direction amid ongoing debates on development, jobs, and governance. This election comes at a pivotal moment for Bihar, a state long grappling with migration, unemployment, and caste-based politics, where voter turnout and alliances could tip the scales.

The NDA, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) or JD(U), is banking on its track record of stability and infrastructure push. Nitish Kumar, often called the "Sushasan Babu" for his administrative focus, remains the alliance's anchor, though the BJP has been cagey about naming a chief ministerial candidate explicitly. The coalition includes smaller partners like the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and Hindustani Awam Morcha, aiming to consolidate upper castes, Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), and a chunk of Other Backward Classes (OBCs). BJP leaders like Samrat Choudhary emphasize public trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nitish's development model, positioning the NDA as the choice for "governance over gimmicks."

Opposing them is the INDIA bloc, spearheaded by Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), in alliance with Congress and smaller parties like the Vikassheel Insaan Party. Tejashwi Yadav, the young and ambitious RJD leader, has been projected as the chief ministerial face, capitalizing on his youth appeal and promises of change. The bloc targets Yadav voters, Muslims, and Dalits, leveraging anti-incumbency against Nitish's flip-flops in alliances. However, internal frictions, such as family feuds within the Yadavs—evident in Tej Pratap Yadav's contest from Mahua—could test their unity.

On October 28, 2025, the Mahagathbandhan stole the limelight by releasing its manifesto, titled "Bihar ka Tejashwi Pran," outlining ambitious welfare schemes. Key pledges include providing one government job per family, creating 10 lakh jobs overall, a monthly allowance of Rs 2,500 for women, free electricity, and permanent employment status for Jeevika self-help group workers (Jeevika Didis). The document also vows to review the state's liquor ban, ensure minimum support prices (MSP) for crops, and oppose the central Waqf Act in Bihar. Tejashwi accused the NDA of turning Nitish into a "puppet" of the BJP, framing the election as a fight for Bihar's self-respect and youth empowerment.

Notably absent was Rahul Gandhi, whose no-show at the launch sparked criticism about Congress's subdued role in the alliance. Despite this, Tejashwi's aggressive campaigning, including dares to the NDA to declare their CM candidate, has kept the momentum alive.

The NDA has yet to release a formal manifesto but is countering with a narrative of tangible progress—roads, bridges, and schemes like the PM Awas Yojana. They highlight Bihar's improved law and order under Nitish and Modi's central support, aiming to peel away EBC and Mahadalit votes. Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party and Chirag Paswan's LJP(RV) add wildcard elements but have dialed back CM ambitions, potentially benefiting the NDA by splitting opposition votes.

Campaigning is intensifying, with Priyanka Gandhi set to join rallies from October 29, and PM Modi possibly addressing key events. Issues like dual voter IDs and special intensive revision (SIR) exercises have drawn flak from figures like Prashant Kishor, adding to the pre-poll buzz.

Unemployment remains the elephant in the room, with Bihar's youth eyeing jobs amid high migration rates. Caste arithmetic Yadavs (14%), Muslims (17%), EBCs (36%)will be decisive, alongside women's turnout boosted by schemes like the NDA's Kanya Vivah Yojana. Rebel candidates and seat-sharing glitches persist, with 16 NDA rebels noted recently.

Analysts see an edge for NDA due to incumbency advantages and Nitish's experience, but Tejashwi's populist pitch could sway urban and young voters. As key faces like Tejashwi, Nitish, and emerging players define the narrative, Bihar's polls promise a churn reflecting deeper political recalibrations.

This election isn't just about seats; it's a referendum on Bihar's aspirations for growth versus welfare promises. With days to go, expect heightened rhetoric, star campaigners, and last-minute alliances to dominate headlines.