Vehicular movement at the Birgunj–Raxaul border crossing between India and Nepal has been suspended, and the border sealed for 72 hours as part of heightened security measures ahead of the second phase of the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled for November 11.
Officials said multiple India–Nepal border points have been closed to prevent illegal movement and ensure peaceful polling.
“The election is scheduled to be held on 11 November in Bihar, India. From a security perspective, we have halted border crossings,” Mahottari Assistant Chief District Officer Sanjay Kumar Pokhrel told ANI. “All border points in the Mahottari district have been sealed. The closures came into effect from 6 p.m. on Saturday,” he added.
As campaigning ended on Sunday, top leaders from both the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition Mahagathbandhan made their final appeals to voters.
Addressing a massive rally in Sasaram, Union Home Minister Amit Shah struck a strong nationalist note, pledging a “decisive response” to any future terror attacks and announcing plans to set up a defence corridor in Bihar. “On this sacred land of Shaktipeeth, I am saying, if terrorists fire a bullet, hum goli ka jawab goley se denge,” Shah declared, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government would establish an ordnance factory in the state.
In Patna, Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary reaffirmed NDA unity and leadership continuity. “Nitish Kumar is the Chief Minister today and will remain so,” he said, dismissing speculation of rifts within the alliance.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sharpened his criticism of the BJP-led government, alleging electoral malpractice. “Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and the Chief Election Commissioner are stealing votes,” he claimed, urging young voters to “protect their future.” Gandhi also accused the Centre of ignoring Bihar’s industrial potential, adding, “I want that instead of Made in China, Made in Bihar should be written on mobile phones.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, campaigning for the NDA in Gaya and Kaimur, framed the polls as a choice between development and regression. “You have to decide whether to make Bihar a developed state or take it back to jungle raj. India will become Viksit only when Bihar becomes Viksit,” he said, reiterating plans for a defence corridor to spur local industry and employment.
With campaigning now concluded, Bihar heads into a decisive phase. Polling for the second round will be held on November 11, and results will be announced on November 14. The outcome will determine whether the NDA’s “double-engine” government under Nitish Kumar continues, or if the Mahagathbandhan, led by Tejashwi Yadav, stages a comeback. The Jan Suraaj party, a new entrant, is also expected to pose a challenge to both major alliances.
