"Atmosphere in Bihar clearly indicates that Mahagathbandhan will face crushing defeat": Nityanand Rai

Patna (Bihar) [India], October 18 : Union Minister Nityanand Rai on Saturday asserted that the political atmosphere in Bihar is firmly in favour of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and claimed that the opposition Mahagathbandhan is heading towards a "crushing defeat" in the upcoming 2025 Assembly elections.
Speaking to reporters in Patna, Rai criticised the opposition's Mahagathbandhan for their lack of coordination and delay in finalising seat-sharing arrangements.
"The Mahagathbandhan hasn't finalised seat-sharing; that's their issue. However, the atmosphere in Bihar for the 2025 elections clearly indicates that the Mahagathbandhan will face a crushing defeat," the Union Minister said.
The Union Minister further added that the opposition alliance appeared disheartened and directionless after sensing the public mood.
"They are so distraught by their defeat that they can't even decide which candidate to field against the NDA candidate... their defeat is certain," he said.
Rai's remarks come amid ongoing discussions among opposition parties over seat-sharing for the 2025 Assembly elections.
Moreover, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Saturday took a dig at Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi by saying that he is travelling abroad, touring the country, but not coming to Bihar ahead of the Bihar assembly elections.
Speaking to reporters, UP DyCM said, "Rahul Gandhi is travelling abroad, touring the country, but not coming to Bihar. Tejashwi Yadav is insulting his alliance partner. So whatever is happening, I believe it is good for Bihar. The people who would have given them 20, 25 seats, perhaps now they will crave for that too."
Earlier today, Chirag Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) on Saturday attacked the Mahagathbandhan over reports of Tejashwi Yadav as Bihar's Chief Ministerial candidate, saying even the alliance has not confirmed it.
Chirag Paswan met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Patna to discuss strategies for securing key constituencies ahead of the 243-seat Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled for November 6 and 11, with counting on November 14.
Meanwhile, the Congress party released its first list of 48 candidates for the upcoming Bihar Legislative Assembly elections.
According to an official statement from Thursday, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Rajesh Ram will contest from the Kutumba Assembly seat, while Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Shakeel Ahmed Khan will fight from the Kadwa constituency.
Out of the total 48 candidates, 24 will be contested in the first phase of elections and 24 in the second phase. The party said that the remaining names will be announced in due course.
Polling for the Bihar elections 2025 will take place on November 6 and 11. The results will be announced on November 14.