BJP says opposition will lose even opposition status

The BJP and JD-U rejected claims from the Mahagathbandhan that it will win the Bihar Assembly elections, with BJP National Spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain asserting the NDA will secure a huge majority. The Election Commission of India was expected to announce the poll schedule on Monday at 4 p.m., ahead of the current assembly term ending on Nov. 22. The 2020 elections saw the NDA win 125 seats against the Mahagathbandhan's 110, with the RJD emerging as the single largest party with 75 seats. Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party has entered the race as an alternative force, while the poll panel plans to avoid scheduling conflicts with Diwali and Chhath festivals between Oct. 18 and Oct. 28.