By Prashant Shah
With the input of IANS
In a sweeping political mandate that has dramatically reshaped Bihar’s electoral landscape, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has stormed back to power with more than 200 seats in the 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly, securing one of the most decisive victories in the state’s recent history. The ruling coalition—comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha, and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha—has not only expanded its footprint across regions but has also effectively dismantled the challenge posed by the Mahagathbandhan (MGB), which was reduced to fewer than 40 seats in a bruising defeat.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the verdict a “resounding endorsement of good governance and public welfare,” while Chief Minister Nitish Kumar—now poised for a fifth full term—hailed the result as a “mandate for stability and development.”
The outcome marks a sharp reversal from the more competitive 2020 contest, signalling a deep realignment in Bihar’s political equations.
A Mandate That Redefines Bihar’s Political Map
The NDA’s triumph surpassed even its 2010 performance, considered a high-water mark in the Nitish-BJP partnership. This year’s victory, powered by a combination of women voters, youth support, and strong mobilization among non-Yadav OBC and EBC communities, reaffirmed the dominance of the “double-engine government” narrative promoted jointly by Modi and Nitish.
The BJP and JD(U) together crossed the 160-seat mark, while smaller allies played a critical role in pushing the coalition past the 200-seat milestone. The results also delivered a significant personal victory for Nitish Kumar, whose leadership—despite frequent political realignments—continues to command trust across broad social segments.
As results poured in, celebrations erupted at NDA offices across Patna. Supporters chanted “Modi, Modi” and “Nitish Kumar zindabad,” distributing sweets and waving saffron flags. At the BJP headquarters, party workers lit firecrackers and sang patriotic songs.
Speaking from New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi said, “This is the victory of the people of Bihar who have rejected divisive politics and chosen development. It is a victory of the poor, of women, of youth, and all those who believe in the future of Bihar.”
Nitish Kumar Consolidates Position as State’s Longest-Serving Chief Minister
Nitish Kumar’s return to power marks another chapter in his long and eventful political journey. Having served multiple terms since 2005, Nitish has retained a strong personal connect with Bihar’s electorate, especially among women, EBCs, Mahadalits, and sections of the rural poor. His government’s focus on welfare delivery, policing reforms, infrastructure development, and social schemes appears to have mitigated anti-incumbency.
This election also demonstrated Nitish’s ability to navigate a crowded and complex political field. His JD(U), which had witnessed declining numbers in previous cycles, recovered significant ground—winning more than 80 seats and strengthening its handshake with the BJP.
Speaking after the results, Nitish said, “The people of Bihar have given us a clear and decisive mandate. We will work even harder to serve them, maintain law and order, and ensure that the benefits of development reach every household.”
Modi’s ‘MY Equation’ Outclasses Traditional Caste-Centric Politics
One of the most prominent themes of the BJP’s campaign was Prime Minister Modi’s redefinition of the MY formula. Traditionally associated with the RJD’s Muslim-Yadav support base, Modi reframed it as “Mahila-Yuva” (women and youth).
This recalibrated messaging—combined with a substantial push toward welfare schemes—appears to have resonated strongly. Early turnout data suggested that women voters participated in large numbers, outstripping male turnout in several constituencies. Their votes were widely considered pivotal in consolidating support for the NDA.
Buoyed by the results, BJP leaders argued that Bihar’s mandate had “retired the politics of caste arithmetic” and embraced “aspirational governance.”
Mahagathbandhan Suffers Crushing Blow: RJD Loses Ground, Congress Shrinks
RJD’s Decline: Tejashwi Yadav fights lone battle
Once considered the rising star of Bihar politics, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav faced an unexpectedly harsh verdict. The RJD, which won 75 seats in 2020 and emerged as the single largest party, could secure only about 25 seats this time. The drop marks one of the sharpest declines in the party’s electoral history.
Tejashwi retained his Raghopur seat but with a significantly reduced margin—falling from a 38,174-vote victory in 2020 to a margin of just over 14,500. Despite a campaign focused on job creation, unemployment, and social justice, the RJD struggled to extend its influence beyond traditional strongholds.
Senior party leaders acknowledged that the MGB’s messaging failed to counter the NDA’s appeal among women and youth. “The people have given their verdict. We respect the mandate,” Tejashwi said. “We will work harder and return stronger.”
Congress’ Dramatic Collapse: From Weak Partner to Heavy Liability
The Congress emerged as the biggest loser of the election. Contesting 61 seats, it could secure only 5–6 constituencies—an outcome worse than its already modest performance in 2020.
Throughout the campaign, the Congress attempted to highlight alleged voter deletions and systematic irregularities. However, these themes gained little traction among voters. Post-results, party leader Rahul Gandhi repeated accusations of an “unfair election,” saying the outcome was “surprising but not entirely unexpected, given the circumstances.”
Within the MGB, several leaders privately questioned the Congress’ role, calling it an “electoral liability.”
Chirag Paswan’s Stunning Rise: From One Seat to Power Player
One of the most remarkable stories of the Bihar election was the meteoric rise of Chirag Paswan. His Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), which was reduced to a single seat in 2020, won 22 of the 29 seats it contested, achieving one of the highest strike rates of any party this cycle.
The LJP(RV) consolidated Dalit support and attracted youth voters in several constituencies. Chirag’s claim of carrying forward the legacy of his father, the late Ram Vilas Paswan, gained significant emotional resonance.
Political analysts said Chirag had emerged as “the most important young face in the NDA in Bihar.” His strong performance is likely to grant him considerable bargaining power in governance and organizational decisions.
AIMIM Retains Seemanchal Base; Smaller Allies Deliver Crucial Margins
Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM retained its foothold in the Seemanchal region by securing five seats—the same as in 2020. The party’s consistent performance indicates a solidifying support base among Muslim voters in specific pockets of eastern Bihar.
Other NDA allies also performed well:
- Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) won 5 of the 6 seats it contested.
- Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) registered strong victories in four constituencies.
These smaller partners played a critical role in crossing the 200-seat mark, giving the NDA one of the largest coalitions ever assembled in the state.
In contrast, Prashant Kishor’s long-anticipated political venture, Jan Suraaj, failed to make an impact. Despite intensive grassroots outreach, the party struggled to register even minimal support and often polled fewer votes than NOTA.
Opposition Allegations Trigger Tense Exchanges
Following the announcement of results, Congress leaders escalated allegations of “vote chori.” Jairam Ramesh accused the Election Commission, Prime Minister, and Home Minister of orchestrating fraud on a “gigantic scale.” The party demanded a forensic audit of voters’ lists and EVMs.
The RJD, however, refrained from echoing these claims. Left parties supported inquiries into alleged discrepancies but avoided direct confrontation with the NDA or the Election Commission.
The NDA dismissed all allegations as “desperate excuses of a defeated alliance.” BJP spokespersons said the results represented a “clear and transparent mandate from the people of Bihar.”
Campaign Themes: Development, Welfare, and Battle of Narratives
NDA’s Focus: Welfare and Stability
The NDA’s campaign emphasised economic development, central welfare schemes, rural infrastructure, and law-and-order stability. The BJP frequently invoked Nitish’s administrative experience and Modi’s national leadership to project confidence in governance continuity.
Welfare benefits—including free rations, PM Ujjwala LPG subsidies, financial assistance for women, and expanded road and health connections—played a central role in strengthening NDA’s appeal.
Mahagathbandhan’s Pitch: Jobs and Change
The Mahagathbandhan sought to pivot the election around unemployment, youth distress, government vacancies, and the alleged failures of the NDA. Tejashwi Yadav promised 10 lakh government jobs and criticised the state’s handling of education and migration issues.
However, the alliance struggled to expand its message beyond its core support groups. In several constituencies, the NDA successfully painted the RJD as synonymous with “jungle raj”—a theme that continued to resonate among older and middle-class voters.
Regional Trends: NDA Dominance Across Heartland, Mixed Signals in Seemanchal
A breakdown of regional trends showed the NDA dominating across: Magadh, Mithila, Bhojpur, Saran, Kosi and Anga.
In many areas, women turned out in larger numbers than men—a trend analysts said increased the NDA’s margins, particularly in JD(U)-strong rural belts.
The only significant resistance came in Seemanchal, where AIMIM and RJD retained pockets of influence. Yet even there, the BJP made modest inroads, signalling a gradual diversification of the region’s electoral landscape.
National Reactions: BJP Celebrates; INDIA Bloc Faces Tough Questions
BJP: “A New Political Chapter in Bihar”
Senior BJP leaders praised the state’s electorate for what they described as a “forward-looking decision.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the cadre and said the result “reflects trust in Modi’s leadership and Nitish Kumar’s governance.”
Political commentators noted that the Bihar verdict strengthens the BJP’s momentum ahead of the crucial 2026 West Bengal Assembly election. PM Modi’s reference to the Ganga flowing from Bihar to Bengal was widely interpreted as an early pitch for the Bengal battle.
INDIA Bloc Scrambles for Explanations
The Congress’ poor showing triggered introspection within the INDIA Bloc. Several leaders argued for stronger regional alliances and questioned the utility of national-level messaging in state elections. RJD leaders called for a “reset in alliance strategy” but stopped short of directly criticizing the Congress.
Left leaders urged for a broader review of organizational weaknesses, particularly in urban constituencies.
Looking Ahead: Governance Priorities and Political Realignments
With a commanding majority, the NDA is expected to implement a stable and uninterrupted governing agenda. Top priorities include: strengthening rural employment, improving health and education delivery, expanding women-centric welfare schemes, enhancing road and irrigation infrastructure,intensifying law-and-order measures
Chirag Paswan’s ascent adds a new dimension to alliance politics, though leaders insisted there would be “no instability” within the coalition.
For the opposition, especially the RJD and Congress, the challenge is existential. They must rebuild organizational structures, reshape messaging, and expand appeal beyond traditional demographics.
A Decisive Verdict That Resets Bihar’s Political Compass
The 2025 Bihar Assembly election will likely be remembered as a defining moment in the state’s political history. With a landslide victory, the NDA has consolidated its control over Bihar, reinforced the Modi-Nitish partnership, and ushered in new political players like Chirag Paswan.
For the Mahagathbandhan, the defeat raises fundamental questions about leadership, messaging, and future alliances. For the NDA, the mandate represents both a validation of its governance model and a responsibility to deliver on heightened expectations.
As celebrations continue across the ruling camp and the opposition regroups, one thing is clear: Bihar’s electorate has sent an unambiguous message, choosing continuity over change and expressing confidence in the current leadership to shape the state’s future.
The political map of Bihar, once again, has been redrawn—this time with a force and clarity rarely witnessed in the state’s electoral history.
