2020 in mind as Bihar parties fight 2019 polls

If 2019 is here, 2020 cannot be far, or at least that is what politicians in Bihar seem to be thinking. For, the battle for Lok Sabha 2019 has not been limited to forming a government at the Centre. Political parties in Bihar view it as an opportunity to assess their coverage on grassroots and accordingly plan their strategy to win the state assembly polls scheduled next year.

"With almost all senior leaders of the party hitting the ground for the campaign, they are clearly and accurately assessing for themselves the mood of the people, the efficiency of local leaders and what issues are or aren't working for the party. After the polls, these things will be discussed and strategy for 2020 formed," said a Janata Dal-United (JD-U) leader.

The assembly polls in Bihar is likely to be announced around August-Sept 2020.

Most of the rallies -- of the ruling or Opposition alliance -- try to cover as many assembly constituencies as they can, instead of being limited to the town areas. For instance, while PM Narendra Modi's rallies are usually in an around the main towns in Bihar, CM Nitish and deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi are traversing the lengths and breadths of rural Bihar.

An RJD leader said apart from anything else, the top brass of the party is interacting with the local leaders and assessing their credibility and winnability in the constituency. "This will help when deciding the candidates next year. As its more than a year, some issues may change but if candidates are finalised early they can also commence their groundwork in due time," he said.