Patna, Oct 6 (NationPress) As the Election Commission of India (ECI) is poised to unveil the timetable for the Bihar Assembly elections this coming Monday, the BJP has voiced strong confidence that the NDA government will once again take charge in this election-ready state.

In a conversation with IANS, BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat remarked, "This is an incredibly encouraging development as Bihar is set to transition to a stable government once again. Once the government is established and initiatives commence, we can expect rapid advancements in various schemes. The forthcoming election announcement is a positive sign, and I am entirely convinced that the NDA will reclaim power here."

Senior BJP figure and Karnataka Legislative Council Opposition leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy added, "With the completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar, elections are now unavoidable. Our party, like all others, is fully prepared for this eventuality."

Uttar Pradesh Minister Jaiveer Singh echoed this sentiment, stating, "This announcement is excellent news. We are completely ready for the elections and have unwavering faith that the NDA will emerge victorious once again and establish a government in Bihar."

Senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi commented, "Once the elections for Bihar are announced, we will see those dynastic players drowning in their own frustration and bitterness. The Congress and its allies have attempted to create confusion and panic surrounding the electoral process, but that effort will ultimately fail. This coalition of unfounded bravado is destined for defeat, and the people will express their discontent with the disrespect shown toward democracy. Unlike this alliance, which discouraged voter participation with baseless claims like 'vote theft', we are encouraging voters to make informed choices for their governance needs."

In the meantime, the Congress has welcomed the ECI's announcement regarding the Bihar polls, describing it as a festival of democracy. However, they criticized the ECI for allegedly neglecting its duties.

Congress Spokesperson Alok Sharma stated, "This is indeed a festival of democracy, and it is encouraging that elections are forthcoming. However, the Election Commission has consistently evaded its responsibilities. During yesterday’s press conference, they failed to address all media inquiries and appear to be acting under BJP influence."

An announcement is anticipated during a press briefing led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accompanied by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.

This announcement follows a review by the poll panel of election preparedness in Bihar, during which they met with representatives from major political parties to assess logistical arrangements.

The current term of the Bihar Assembly will conclude on November 22, necessitating elections prior to this date.

Sources suggest that the election schedule will be crafted to avoid clashing with significant festivals like Diwali and Chhath, which occur between October 18 and October 28. This approach aims to ensure smooth polling and maximize voter turnout.

The upcoming Bihar elections are anticipated to present a high-stakes rivalry between the ruling coalition of the Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal-United, and the opposition alliance known as the Mahagathbandhan, spearheaded by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and Left parties.

Adding a fresh dynamic to the race is Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party, which aims to establish itself as a viable alternative in Bihar's political landscape.

During the previous Assembly elections in 2020, the National Democratic Alliance secured a majority with 125 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan garnered 110 seats.

The RJD emerged as the largest party, winning 75 seats. That election was significant as it marked the first major electoral exercise conducted post the Covid-19 pandemic, with a recorded voter turnout of 56.93%.

This year, the Election Commission has made amendments to enhance the voting experience, with each polling booth now catering to 1,200 voters instead of 1,500, and an increase in the number of booths across Bihar.

This will necessitate additional deployment of Central Armed Police Forces to guarantee security and smooth operations.

As Bihar eagerly awaits the official poll announcement, political parties are preparing for a vigorous campaign season.

The revelation of the election dates later on Monday will set the stage for what promises to be a closely monitored and fiercely contested power struggle.