Bihar recorded an impressive voter turnout of 67.13%, the highest in the state since 1951. However, despite this strong participation, the Congress party, which contested the election along with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) under the Mahagathbandhan alliance, is once again facing disappointing results.

Congress leader Ashok Gehlot strongly criticised the Election Commission (EC). He accused the EC of being a "mute spectator" while money was allegedly being distributed during the election. He said that ₹10,000 was being given to women voters, which he described as a type of “vote theft”, something Rahul Gandhi has been speaking against in his campaigns.

According to the latest official data, the NDA is leading and is likely to form the next government in Bihar. The BJP is ahead in 84 seats, while Nitish Kumar’s JDU is leading in 76 seats. On the other hand, the Mahagathbandhan is ahead in 50 seats, with RJD leading in 34, and Congress as well as CPI(ML)(L) leading in six seats each. CPM is ahead in one seat.

The controversy Gehlot pointed to is linked to the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana (MMRY). Under this scheme, ₹10,000 is given to women beneficiaries, and it covers around 75 lakh women across Bihar. The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 26. Ten days later, the Election Commission announced the Bihar election dates.

The RJD and Congress objected to this timing. They argued that giving out money during election time violates the Model Code of Conduct, which prohibits governments from influencing voters with new schemes or handouts once elections are announced.

Gehlot also said that in Tamil Nadu, the Election Commission had taken strict action in similar situations. In past elections there, the poll body had stopped two welfare schemes, even though those schemes were launched earlier, because elections were approaching. He questioned why the EC did not follow the same rules in Bihar.

He accused the Election Commission of favouring the ruling party and allowing the misuse of money to influence voters. Gehlot added that Congress and RJD do not have the same financial resources as the NDA. He concluded by saying that while the NDA may win the election and form the government, he believes the Congress ideology is still important for the country’s welfare.