Will ‘vote chori’ narrative help Rahul & Tejashwi derail Nitish-Modi’s double engine?

With the term of the current Bihar government ending in November 2025, the political atmosphere in the state is intensifying. The Election Commission is expected to announce the schedule soon, but parties are already in full campaign mode. New slogans, familiar accusations, and shifting alliances are shaping what could be one of the most fiercely contested elections in Bihar in recent memory.

The rise of ‘SIR’ issue and the ‘vote chori’ narrative

In an unexpected twist, two terms have begun dominating the political discourse in Bihar ‘SIR’ and ‘Vote Chori’. These slogans, amplified by opposition parties and social media campaigns, are being used to question the legitimacy and credibility of the current ruling alliance. ‘Vote Chori’ alleges manipulation and misuse of democratic processes by those in power. The term has become central to the campaign narrative, particularly for the RJD and Congress.

However, political observers caution that while the phrase has gained traction in political speeches and debates, it is still unclear whether it will resonate with the electorate or fade away like past slogans such as “Chowkidar Chor Hai,” which ultimately did little to change electoral outcomes.

RJD’s aggressive targeting of Nitish Kumar

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), led by Tejashwi Yadav, has intensified its attacks on CM Nitish Kumar and his party, the JD(U). The RJD's campaign narrative focuses on alleged misgovernance, lack of employment opportunities, and failing public services over the years under Nitish's leadership.

Tejashwi has consistently raised questions about the state’s performance on education, healthcare, and infrastructure, positioning the RJD as a party of change and progress. By aligning the ‘Vote Chori’ narrative with broader governance issues, the RJD is trying to corner the BJP-JD(U) alliance both morally and electorally.

Congress trying to reclaim lost ground

The Congress is attempting a political comeback in Bihar with renewed energy. Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ and now the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ have injected new life into the party cadre. These initiatives aim to re-establish the Congress as a serious player in Bihar’s political landscape after years of decline.

Alongside these yatras, the party is also rolling out welfare-focused programs like the , Rozgar Melas, and Dalit Sammelans clearly designed to carve out a standalone identity and appeal to women, youth, and marginalized communities.

The Congress strategy appears twofold: energize its base and distance itself from the shadows of its larger allies while still being open to a broader opposition alliance.

BJP-JDU: banking on ground connect and memories of Lalu raj

On the other side, the BJP and JD(U) are focusing on strengthening their ground-level connect. Their campaign strategy includes mass contact programs, grassroots outreach, and invoking memories of the Lalu-era “jungle raj.”

By reminding voters of the law-and-order situation under the RJD rule, the ruling alliance is aiming to neutralize the opposition’s allegations. BJP and JD(U) leaders are also dismissing the ‘Vote Chori’ claims as baseless propaganda designed to undermine democratic institutions.

The BJP’s campaign machinery, known for its booth-level strategy, is being activated with an eye on maximum voter mobilization, especially in urban and semi-urban constituencies.