The poll bugle has officially sounded in Bihar. With the Election Commission of India announcing a two-phase poll on November 6 and 11, the stage is set for a high-stakes political showdown. But who holds the edge in this crucial contest? As the state awaits the results on November 14, India Today's Consulting Editor, Rajdeep Sardesai, points to five key 'X-factors' that could ultimately decide the winner.

1. THE ARITHMETIC ADVANTAGE FOR NDA

On paper, the race begins with the NDA having a distinct advantage based on political arithmetic. The ruling alliance is a wider coalition, featuring the BJP, JDU, Jitan Ram Manjhi's party, Chirag Paswan, and Upendra Kushwaha. This broad front is numerically stronger than the opposition, which consists of the RJD, Congress, and Left parties.

2. TH

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