The existence of several smaller players has complicated the political arena for Bihar. In addition to the two main fronts, the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan, the current Assembly elections will have several fronts and smaller parties in the fray.
These smaller parties and fronts are often labeled ‘Vote Katwa’ or spoilers. But this is a simplistic view and is based on the assumption that Bihar is a two-pronged race. This article will show that this has never been the case throughout Bihar’s electoral history.
But before that, let’s take a look at the various political actors fighting in the Bihar Assembly elections.
What parties and alliances are in The Fray?
The two main contenders, the National Democratic Alliance and Mahagathbandhan, are multi-party coalitions.
National Democratic Alliance
CM Face: Nitish Kumar – JD (U)
Constituent parties: BJP, Janata Dal (United), Hindustan Awam Morcha by Jitan Ram Manjhi and Vikassheel Insan Party by Mukesh Sahani.
Mahagathbandhan
CM Face: Tejashwi Yadav – RJD
Constituent parties: Rashtriya Janata Dal, Congress, Communist Party of India (Marxist Leninist), Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist).
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