As Phase 2 nominations open in Bihar, both NDA and INDIA bloc are yet to finalise their candidates. Political watchers say the delay signals internal tensions and shifting ground in the high-stakes state polls.

The nomination process for Phase 2 of the Bihar Assembly elections began this week, but both the NDA and the INDIA bloc have yet to release their official candidate lists—just days before the filing deadline. The slow pace has added to the political suspense in a state where alliances often shift with every election cycle.

State BJP chief Dilip Jaiswal, returning from Delhi after the NDA sealed its seat-sharing deal, said that “all five constituents” will finalise their lists shortly. As part of the new formula, BJP will contest 101 of 243 seats, while JD(U) and smaller allies such as LJP (Ram Vilas), Rashtriya Lok Morcha, and HAM (Secular) have been allocated the rest.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled for a three-day visit beginning October 16, with several BJP chief ministers expected to join him. Party insiders say Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rallies—a major crowd magnet—will be planned later in the campaign.

Meanwhile, the opposition INDIA bloc continues to deliberate seat distribution. The CPI(ML) Liberation has already allotted symbols to some sitting MLAs, while RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav returned to Patna after court proceedings, with aspirants lining up at his residence. His son Tejashwi Yadav, seen as the alliance’s CM face, remains in Delhi to iron out differences with the Congress.

Adding to the political drama, Tej Pratap Yadav, expelled from RJD months ago, has announced his own list under the Janshakti Janata Dal, including himself as the Mahua candidate.

Analysis: The delayed announcements highlight a familiar Bihar trend—alliances prioritising seat arithmetic over clarity. For voters, this uncertainty underscores the fluidity of state politics where strategy often trumps ideology. With just days left, the coming week could define not just the ballot, but the battle lines for 2025.