The fourth phase of the Assembly polls in Bihar – crucial for both the grand alliance and the NDA – recorded about 58 per cent turnout.
While the BJP is considered as the favourite in this phase, with considerable presence in the seven districts – West Champaran, East Champaran, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur, Gopalgunj and Siwan – the grand alliance is giving a tough fight to the NDA, raising issues such as reservation and price rise to attack the BJP.
The campaign in the last week was marred by “communal” tint as the Opposition complained to the Election Commission against the advertisements used by the NDA against the grand alliance and the speech by BJP President Amit Shah in an election rally where he said crackers will be burst in Pakistan if the BJP loses the poll. This had resulted in the panel issuing a circular to officials to be more vigilant.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the main campaigner for the NDA, continued his tirade against grand alliance leaders Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar. ‘
“Your fate won’t change unless there is change in Bihar. I assure you all that the BJP-led NDA government will be formed on the 8th,” he added.
Earlier, he tweeted that people of the State want a change.