Patna: Authorities in Bihar have tightened surveillance in the state’s border districts, yet the open frontiers with Nepal and West Bengal continue to pose challenges in curbing underground betting networks ahead of the Bihar Assembly election results.
Local officials say bookmakers are already placing monetary bets even before the mandate is revealed, speculating on the outcome while Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) remain sealed.
According to betting market trends, the NDA is projected to win between 125 and 135 seats, while the INDIA bloc is expected to secure 100 to 120 seats. Despite the NDA’s public claims of “crossing 200,” the betting circles appear less enthusiastic about such a sweep. Instead, heavy wagers are being placed on the vote margins in key constituencies, particularly those of Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav, dubbed the “hot seats” of this election.
High-Stakes Bets Across North Bihar
Significant wagers are reportedly being played out in constituencies such as Forbesganj (BJP vs Congress), Araria (Congress vs JD(U)), Narpatganj (BJP vs RJD), and Dhamdaha (JD(U) vs RJD). Similar activity has also been detected in Saharsa, Madhepura, and Katihar, where the value of bets remains unusually high.
Across the border, Viranagar in Nepal and Siliguri in West Bengal have emerged as major hubs for political betting. Traders from Rajasthan and Bihar are allegedly participating in these illegal cross-border operations.
Officials Promise Stern Action
Authorities claim strict measures are underway. “We have intensified surveillance across all border points,” said Mukesh Kumar Saha, SDPO of Forbesganj. “Anyone found involved in illegal betting will face stringent legal action.”
A Test for Electoral Fairness
Observers warn that the rise of political betting in border regions could undermine voter confidence and electoral integrity. As the final verdict is set to be revealed on November 14, the focus remains on whether enforcement agencies can rein in these networks before Bihar’s political future unfolds.
