In a press conference held on November 9, CPI(ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya said that the election in Bihar was fought on the real issues of the people, including reduction in gas cylinder prices, 200 units of free electricity, relief for women from debt burdens, protection for farmers, and restoration of the rule of law. He said the party’s campaign was centred on ensuring that the commitments made in its People’s Manifesto could be implemented in the coming days.
Between October 22 and November 6, the CPI(ML) held more than 50 public meetings across the state. Of the 20 constituencies contested, two were new this time. The campaign began in Rajgir and concluded in Pipra. Comrade Dipankar said the response from the people, especially the youth, was overwhelming, and that women’s anger against the government was clearly visible. “People fought this election with tremendous energy and determination. It was a fight for every single vote,” he said.
He noted that the 65.08 per cent voter turnout recorded in the first phase of polling was historic for Bihar and reflected a strong anti-incumbency sentiment and a clear desire for change. He added that whenever people want change, it is reflected in the ballot box.
The CPI(ML) General Secretary said that despite government interference, people, particularly the poor, migrant workers and Muslims, turned out in large numbers to defend democracy. Many migrant voters, however, found their names missing from the rolls. People resisted attempts at fake voting, which led to tension in several places and even attacks on voters and candidates.
Comrade Dipankar also said that the language used by NDA leaders including Modi, Shah, Yogi Adityanath, Lalan Singh and Anant Singh was openly threatening. “If there has been genuine development, why are the Prime Minister and BJP leaders speaking in the language of threats like ‘we will cut off your electricity’ or ‘we will not let you leave your homes’? This is a dangerous signal for democracy,” he said.
“The Bihar election shows that people are awake, and this awakening will send a message of change across the country,” Bhattacharya said.
CPI(ML) Politburo Member and AIPWA leader Meena Tiwari said that the government’s Rs 10,000 cash transfer had no visible impact. She said that only about 20 to 25 per cent of women reported receiving the amount, and that the scheme was riddled with irregularities and arbitrary conditions. Women’s anger against 20 years of misrule was visible across the state.
She added that women have been leading a movement against the debt burden, which is why the slogan “Dus hazaar mein dum nahin, karz maafi se kam nahin” (Ten thousand is not enough, nothing short of debt waiver) became a major campaign theme.
CPI(ML) candidate from Digha, Divya Gautam, said that the youth participated in large numbers and that the people of Bihar have clearly expressed their desire for change.
