New Delhi: Following a record-breaking 64.46% voter turnout in the first phase of Bihar’s Assembly elections on November 6, Union Home Minister Amit Shah exuded confidence on Friday. He predicted a resounding victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) with at least 160 seats in the 243-member House.
Addressing a roadshow and rallies in Jamui and Purnea, Shah dismissed Opposition claims of anti-incumbency, asserting that women, youth, farmers, Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), and Dalits had unequivocally backed the NDA. “The bumper vote reflects people’s trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s leadership,” he declared in an exclusive interview with TV9 Bharatvarsh.
Responding to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav’s boast of clinching 100 of the 121 seats polled in the first phase, Shah retorted sharply: “That will turn out to be a mere 14. The Opposition will have no face left to show after counting.” He accused the INDIA bloc of sensing defeat and raising spurious issues like vote theft to deflect from their impending rout.
Shah rubbished the narratives of anti-incumbency, labelling them as desperate ploys. He emphasised the NDA’s commitment to a “ghuspaithiya-mukt” (infiltrator-free) Seemanchal region, crediting the electorate’s resolve to strengthen border security.
Highlighting governance milestones, he noted how the alliance had eradicated Naxalism’s scourge, transforming remote areas into tourism hubs through infrastructure development.
Targeting the RJD’s “jungle raj” legacy, Shah recalled how Bhagalpur — once a bastion of industry, trade and education — had descended into violence under Lalu Prasad Yadav’s rule. “Under NDA, Bhagalpur is reclaiming its path to progress,” he affirmed, as enthusiastic crowds signalled the alliance’s return to power.
With the second phase slated for November 11 and results on November 14, Shah’s bold projections have intensified the electoral fervour in this high-stakes battleground.