PATNA: As the nomination window for the second and final phase of the Bihar assembly elections closed on Oct 20, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar launched the NDA’s poll campaign from Muzaffarpur, but the opposition INDIA bloc allies were embroiled in conflicts and contradictions.There are at least 11 seats where INDIA bloc partners are fighting against each other, much to the confusion of voters. RJD is likely to battle Congress nominees in four seats, and VIP candidates in three. Congress is locked in a straight fight with CPI in four other seats, much to dismay of top INDIA bloc politicians.The seats where INDIA bloc partners would face each other include Vaishali, Sikandara, Kahalgaon, Narkatiaganj, Rajapakar, Bachhwara, Biharsharif, Kargahar, Chainpur, Babubarhi, and Gaura Baura, although there are chances that some candidates may withdraw from the contest as two days are still left for the last date for withdrawal of candidature (Oct 23) for the second phase.With less than a fortnight for campaigning to close, all opposition “top guns” seem to be falling silent and are missing from the campaign scene.RJD’s and Congress’s social media accounts also appear to be largely inactive, with only old slogans being recycled and the visible aggression noticed during the Voter Adhikar Yatra missing. Lack of clarity over the official start of the opposition’s campaign has left candidates to fend for themselves and campaign at their own level.“We are preparing the campaign programme, it will be out very soon,” senior RJD politician Chitranjan Gagan said, but didn’t reveal when campaign would be launched.
