Bihar Election Tests Modi's Appeal to Young Voters Amid Job Hopes and Economic Uncertainty

Shares fell as voting began in the Bihar state election on November 6, 2025, with over 74 million eligible voters, including 20-year-old Ajay Kumar, a Dalit, who had pinned his hopes for the future on a job reserved for his community under the government's affirmative action programme. Kumar had appeared for a crucial examination for a government job, but the leaking of the examination had left him and many others in a state of uncertainty. The leak of the examination had sparked widespread outrage among students, who accused the government of failing to protect their interests. Kumar, who was among those affected, expressed his frustration, saying, "We had worked hard for months to prepare for this exam, and now it feels like our efforts have been wasted. The government should take responsibility for this mess and ensure that we are not unfairly disadvantaged." The Bihar state election is seen as a crucial test for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been in power at the national level since 2014. The BJP has been trying to woo young voters, including those from the Dalit community, who have been increasingly disillusioned with the party's policies. Modi has promised to create jobs and improve the economy, but critics argue that his policies have failed to deliver on these promises. The BJP's efforts to win over young voters have been hindered by the party's perceived failure to address the concerns of the Dalit community. Kumar's experience with the leaked examination is a symptom of a larger problem, according to experts. "The government's affirmative action programme is meant to provide opportunities for marginalized communities, but it has failed to deliver on its promises," said Dr. Ramesh Kumar, a sociologist at the University of Patna. "The leak of the examination is just one example of how the government's policies have failed to address the needs of young people from marginalized communities." The Bihar state election is also seen as a test of the opposition's ability to challenge the BJP's dominance. The opposition Janata Dal (United) party has been trying to capitalize on the BJP's perceived failures, particularly among young voters. "The BJP's policies have failed to deliver on their promises, and we are offering a alternative vision for Bihar's future," said Tejashwi Yadav, the leader of the Janata Dal (United) party. As the election campaign enters its final stages, the BJP is facing growing pressure to address the concerns of young voters, including those from the Dalit community. The party's failure to deliver on its promises has left many young people disillusioned with politics, and the opposition is hoping to capitalize on this sentiment. The outcome of the election will be closely watched not only in Bihar but also at the national level, where the BJP's performance will have implications for its future prospects.