Bihar Elections: Crackdown on Money Power and New Alliances Clash

The Election Commission boosts vigilance against money power, freebies, and drugs in upcoming Bihar elections. NDA outlines seat-sharing agreements, while INDIA bloc readies for a face-off. The entry of Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party adds a fresh dynamic to the political landscape.

As Bihar's assembly polls approach, the Election Commission is intensifying efforts to curb the influence of illegal money, freebies, and narcotics. Enforcement agencies have been directed to be on high alert during the two-phase elections and bye-elections across eight assembly constituencies.

The Commission announced that expenditure Observers are already present in the constituencies to oversee candidates' spending. Teams including Flying Squads and Surveillance units are actively monitoring for any use of inducements or financial sway on voters. To date, authorities have seized assets worth Rs 33.97 crore, comprising cash, liquor, and drugs.

In political developments, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has declared its seat-sharing plan, with the BJP and JDU contesting 101 seats each, and other partners allocated the remaining seats. The elections will see a battle between the NDA and the INDIA bloc, with the emergence of Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party potentially altering the electoral dynamics.