Vehicular movement at the Birgunj-Raxaul border between India and Nepal has been suspended, and the border sealed as a precaution ahead of the second phase of Bihar Assembly elections on November 11. Several India-Nepal border points have been closed for 72 hours to ensure security. Mahottari Assistant Chief District Officer Sanjay Kumar Pokhrel told ANI that the border was shut from 6 pm on Saturday, citing security concerns during the Bihar polls.

As campaigning for the second phase ended on Sunday, leaders from both the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan made their final voter appeals. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing a large rally in Sasaram, emphasized national security and announced a plan to set up a defence corridor in Bihar. He warned that any terrorist attack would face a “decisive response.”

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary confirmed that Nitish Kumar would continue as Chief Minister if the NDA retains power. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP-led government of “stealing votes” and urged young voters to safeguard their future, calling for more industrial growth in Bihar. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh framed the election as a choice between progress and the “jungle raj” of the past, promising that Bihar’s development would drive India’s growth.

With campaigning over, Bihar heads to the polls on November 11, with results due on November 14. The outcome will decide whether the NDA’s “double-engine” government continues or the Mahagathbandhan, led by Tejashwi Yadav, makes a comeback. The Jan Suraaj party is also expected to challenge both major alliances.