In the first statewide election to be held after the outbreak of the coronavirus disease epidemic, with strict social distancing guidelines, Bihar’s political parties suddenly have a new, unusual concern – the state’s low teledensity, low Internet penetration, and low low mass media exposure.

In rural areas of Bihar, home to 89% of the state’s population, there were only 22 Internet subscribers per 100 people.

Among all the states and union territories, Bihar has the highest number of women with no access to mass media, while Jharkhand lags behind in terms of male share.

“Each type of technology has limitations. But the epidemic will increase the number of mobile users in the state.” The main opposition party in Bihar, the RJD, which had already opposed holding elections during the epidemic, said it relied on its tried and tested model of campaigning – direct contact with its voters – crossing technical boundaries to do.

“We had asked the Election Commission of India to look into this issue and urged all parties to allow a level game. Our party is not resourceful and neither are its voters. RJD leaders have already started meetings in small groups at panchayat levels,” said RJD spokesman Mrityunjay Tiwari.

State Congress President Madan Mohan Jha said that the party’s digital campaign to induct new members could be further intensified as the state has better telecom access.

He said that the resource-rich parties can have the upper hand to motivate their voters to vote. For a proper mandate, elections should be kept closed until an epidemic is involved.