In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Professor Abdul Qadir decodes the mood in Bihar ahead of the 2025 Assembly election. Speaking from Gaya, Qadir traces how caste, class, and community alliances are shifting—from the historical legacy of "backward-caste solidarity" to new anxieties among Muslim voters and the rise (and decline) of parties like All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen. He dissects the implications of political violence in Mokama, the controversies over voter roll deletions during the Special Intensive Revision, and the Election Commission of India's credibility crisis. With insights into Tejashwi Yadav’s campaign, the Mahagathbandhan’s prospects, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation’s growing influence, Qadir offers a ground-level view of how democracy and disenfranchisement are colliding in Bihar’s heartland.

Originally published on Nov 3, 2025