With the Bihar Assembly elections on the horizon, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is rolling out an extensive campaign to showcase Bihar’s rich culture, tradition, and contributions across the nation. The initiative aims to strengthen its voter base and highlight the government's efforts in the state’s development.

A Nationwide Celebration of Bihar’s Heritage

The week-long programme, starting on March 22, will kick off with Bihar Diwas celebrations and extend from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. The BJP has directed its MPs and ministers to actively participate in these events, ensuring maximum outreach to Bihari communities across India.

A BJP insider revealed:

"Our Prime Minister has always believed in ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’ Biharis are spread across the country, excelling in various sectors, especially in bureaucracy and services. This initiative will help connect them all while showcasing Bihar’s cultural heritage."

Top Leaders to Join the Campaign

Senior leaders, including BJP National President JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, will take part in the events throughout the week. Additionally, all NDA alliance partners in Bihar—such as JDU leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and Lok Janshakti Party’s (LJP) Chirag Paswan—are expected to participate.

The campaign will also serve as a platform to promote the achievements of the “double engine government” (a term used to describe BJP’s rule at both the central and state levels). The Prime Minister has often emphasized Bihar’s transformation from a "sick state" to a progressive one, though acknowledging that further work is needed.

Development Agenda and Union Budget Announcements for Bihar

To reinforce its commitment to Bihar’s growth, the NDA has been highlighting recent Union Budget announcements benefiting the state. One of the major promises fulfilled is the establishment of a board for Makhana, a superfood widely cultivated in Bihar.

Amit Shah’s Strategic Visit to Bihar

Adding to the political momentum, Amit Shah’s visit on March 27-28 is expected to coincide with the Bihar Diwas celebrations.

Sources confirmed that a detailed discussion took place between JDU leaders, including Union Minister Lalan Singh and JDU Working President Sanjay Jha, with Amit Shah regarding the event and Bihar’s political roadmap.

During his visit, the Home Minister is set to hold crucial political meetings—not only with the Bihar BJP unit but also with alliance partners, to solidify the NDA’s strategy for the upcoming elections.

Bihar Elections 2024: NDA’s Strategy to Retain Power

With Bihar Assembly elections expected in October 2024, the NDA coalition is gearing up for a unified electoral battle. The alliance consists of:

• BJP (currently the largest party in Bihar with 84 MLAs)
• Janata Dal (United) (JDU)
• Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) led by Chirag Paswan
• Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM) led by Ram Vilas Paswan
• Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) led by Upendra Kushwaha

The Bihar Assembly has 243 seats, with the NDA currently holding 138. Given the state’s complex political landscape, the upcoming elections are expected to be intensely contested, with the NDA working to consolidate its voter base and counter challenges from the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

A Cultural and Political Masterstroke

The BJP’s decision to blend Bihar’s cultural pride with election campaigning appears to be a strategic move to rally Bihari voters across the country. With the party banking on Prime Minister Modi’s popularity and Amit Shah’s strategic planning, the upcoming months will be crucial in shaping the NDA’s electoral fortunes in Bihar.

As the political battle intensifies, it remains to be seen whether this nationwide cultural outreach will translate into electoral success for the BJP and its allies in Bihar.