Bihar High Stakes Showdown Manifestos Faces and Future

Updated on Oct - 28 - 2025, 05:16 PM

In the run up to the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation, ambition and fierce contestation. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) seeks a fresh five-year mandate, while the opposition Mahagathbandhan is gunning to unseat the incumbent before the polls in 243 constituencies on November 6 and 11, with counting scheduled for November 14.

At the heart of the opposition’s campaign is Tejashwi Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), who has been declared the chief-ministerial face of the Mahagathbandhan. The alliance’s poll manifesto, dubbed the “Tejashwi Pran Patra”, outlines its vision and roadmap for Bihar. On the other side, the NDA, led by Nitish Kumar and backed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), remains confident about retaining power.

One major talking point is transparency. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls triggered fresh debate the poll body claims no appeals for phase one in Bihar, yet concerns linger. At the same time, the rhetoric is heated: the Mahagathbandhan accuses the NDA of negativity and status-quo governance, while the NDA warns of a return to “jungle raj” if the opposition comes to power.

Another dimension: the Mahagathbandhan has not just offered promises, but attempted to show decisiveness by naming a CM face early and releasing its manifesto. Tejashwi’s line has stressed: “We have a vision, we have a roadmap, we will make Bihar number one.” Meanwhile, opponents point to the feasibility of such promises and question whether the alliance has the experience to deliver on them.

From ticket distributions and intra-party tensions (27 RJD leaders were expelled for anti-party activity) to dramatic campaign visits by national heavyweights, the election is shaping up as more than just a state poll it’s a staged battle for narratives, identity and development.

As the campaign accelerates, Bihar’s electorate will be watching not just the promises on paper but the performances of those vying to lead. The manifesto battles and the declared faces may decide the mood but on polling day, the verdict will resonate.