. Both these parties contested the recent election together, while India’s main opposition Congress party tied up with the regional Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and several smaller parties.
Controversies Surrounding Voter List Revision
The elections come after a controversial revision of electoral rolls conducted by India’s Election Commission. The commission released a list of 74.2 million voters, weeding out 4.7 million names. This exercise has been sharply criticized by the opposition who accused the commission of dropping many voters to aid Modi’s party. Both the BJP and the Election Commission have denied such allegations.
Impact on Future Elections
The results from Bihar could be a precursor to several other key state elections next year in West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. These states are crucial for the BJP as they do not currently hold power there and have struggled to make significant inroads. The performance of the BJP in these upcoming elections will significantly impact its chances of winning the 2024 general election.
Key Figures: Voter Turnout and Female Participation
According to India’s Election Commission, the state witnessed a record voter turnout of 66.91%, the highest since Bihar’s first elections in 1951. Nearly half of the voters are women, and the state recorded its highest female voter turnout in history at 71.6% this year. Analysts suggest that female voters could play a key role in determining the outcome.
Conclusion
A Crucial Test for BJP’s Future
The results of the Bihar election will not only determine the future course of politics within the state but also impact the broader political landscape in India. The BJP’s ability to secure power here could influence its strategies and policies across other states, making this election a crucial test for the party.
