Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Yadav addresses a press conference after the Election Commission announced the dates for Bihar elections, in Patna yesterday. Yadav said the main aim of the grand alliance of RJD, JD-U and the Congress was to defeat the BJP-led NDA.

Agencies/New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi faces a major test of his popularity next month as he tries to win power in the third most-populous state with a promise of economic development in a region where caste allegiances are traditionally dominant.
Bihar, a state of more than 100mn people, will hold state assembly elections over five phases from October 12 to November 5, the Election Commission announced yesterday. Votes will be counted on November 8.
Announcing the dates, Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said the model code of conduct has come into force with immediate effect.
The first phase of polling for 49 seats will be held on October 12, the second for 32 seats on October 16, the third for 50 seats on October 28, the fourth for 55 seats on November 1 and the final phase for 57 seats on November 5.
“The Election Commission has made arrangements for free and fair polls. We have received more than adequate forces. Each polling booth will be manned by central police forces,” Zaidi said.
He said 47 of the 243 constituencies were affected by left-wing extremism.
The election, which is expected to witness a keen contest between Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance and the combine of the Janata Dal-United, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress, will have some firsts, including photograph of candidate on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM).
“This is being done for the first time in an assembly poll. We received feedback about voters facing some confusion when candidates have the same name,” Zaidi said.
He said measures have been taken to check vehicles for any illicit flow of arms and liquor.
The poll chief said committees have been formed under district magistrates for people to deposit their licensed weapons.
Zaidi said there was effective intelligence gathering and helicopters and motorboats will be used to keep vigil.
“Assessment (was being done) of all vulnerable points where anti-social elements can threaten voters,” he said.
He said exit polls will be prohibited from the very first day of voting.
“As per law, exit poll will be prohibited from the first day of poll of the first phase till half-an-hour after the appointed time of the last polling day. This applies to both print and TV media,” Zaidi said.
“Opinion poll under relevant law is prohibited in the last 48 hours for electronic media. Similarly, advertisements are also prohibited in the last 48 hours for the electronic media,” he added.
A defeat for Modi would harm his chances of consolidating power in parliament, where his reform agenda is being blocked because his party is in the minority in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house.
Modi needs to win most state elections in the next four years to gain control of the upper house, where seats are distributed based on the strength of parties in state assemblies.
Modi swept to power last year on expectations he would accelerate an economic transformation but is struggling to build support for reforms, such as a business-friendly land bill and passage of the biggest overhaul of taxes since independence.