PATNA: Despite threats from Naxals, the second phase of polling in 32 constituencies spread across six districts of south-western Bihar went off without hiccups.
As a precaution, the Election Commission cut short poll timing in several constituencies by one hour and in a few others by two hours, which resulted in the vote percentage being restricted to 51, six per cent less than the first phase.
Though the contest is a nail-biter for all political parties in the two rival camps, the real test undoubtedly is for the BJP allies in this round.
For the fledgling outfits of Jitan Ram Manjhi (HAM), and Upendra Kushwaha’s (RLSP), and more seasoned LJP led by Ram Vilas Paswan, it was their worth as NDA allies that got tested on Friday.
In this phase, the BJP gave as many seats to the allies as it contested itself: 16 seats. Whether Manjhi, Kushwaha and Paswan’s NDA entry spells doom for the Nitish-Lalu partnership and its hold over deprived voters will be known soon. Unlike other allies, HAM is a splinter group of the JD (U).
In the 2010 Assembly, the BJP contested the very same seats in alliance with Kumar and the JD (U), with the latter contesting more seats and getting a lion’s share of the vote. This election because of the allies, NDA was initially seen to have an edge. But as the polling went, ‘grand alliance’ – the JD(U), RJD, Congress – was found to be doing well, retaining its votebanks and vote-share too. It, however, would be known with finality on November 8. Though much would depend on individual candidates performance, image or vote-cutters, both sides seemed equally placed.
In Kaimur district, polling touched 53.77 per cent; in Rohtas, 48.43 per cent; Arwal, 49.06 per cent; Jehanabad, 51.78 per cent; Aurangabad, 47.94 per cent and Gaya 54.22 per cent.
Meanwhile, after receiving unfavourable feedback in the wake of the first phase of the Assembly polls held on 12th October, the BJP has made significant changes in its campaign strategy for the rest of the phases. The party has decided not to bank on PM Narendra Modi’s charisma alone, but to begin projecting state leaders at least through posters.
Ally leaders Khushwaha, Paswan and Manjhi are also being given due importance. The party has canceled Modi’s election rallies at Buxar, Paliganj and Vaishali for the third phase of the election. However, party officials say that no such rally was planned in the first place.
Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal predicted Nitish’s victory and claimed the BJP was all set to “badly” lose the elections.
Kejriwal also pledged “all support” for the JD(U) leader in the ongoing Assembly elections.