The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections resulted in a historic triumph for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP and JDU. Defying expectations, the coalition secured a commanding majority, reshaping Bihar’s political future. Here’s an in-depth analysis of the five critical reasons behind this unprecedented victory:
1. Nitish Kumar’s Pivotal Return to NDA
Nitish Kumar’s reunion with the BJP in late 2024 proved decisive. His shift from the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan to the NDA bolstered the alliance’s credibility. Campaigning as “Sushasan Babu,” Kumar’s governance record and development promises resonated with women and youth. The BJP-JDU synergy—combining organizational muscle with grassroots reach—created an unbeatable force.
2. Modi-Yogi Charisma & Dual-Engine Sarkar
PM Narendra Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath became the NDA’s trump cards. Modi’s rallies emphasized the “double-engine sarkar” (aligned central and state leadership), while Yogi’s campaigning in border districts galvanized Hindu voters, particularly non-Yadav OBCs and upper castes. Central schemes like Ayushman Bharat and PM-Kisan further solidified support.
3. Caste Calculus: NDA’s Winning Social Coalition
The NDA outmaneuvered the opposition’s Muslim-Yadav (MY) base by uniting EBCs, Dalits, and non-Yadav OBCs. Leaders like Chirag Paswan (LJP) and Jitan Ram Manjhi (HAM) delivered crucial Dalit/Mahadalit votes. Strategic candidate selection ensured broad caste representation, diluting anti-incumbency.
4. Ground-Level Development & Welfare Delivery
Tangible infrastructure progress—roads, electrification, and digital connectivity—was central to the NDA’s pitch. State initiatives like the “Bihar Startup Policy” and “Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal” (universal tap water) gained traction. Direct benefit transfers (DBT) ensured voter loyalty by linking welfare to the ruling alliance.
5. Opposition’s Collapse: Infighting & Unfulfilled Promises
The RJD-Congress Mahagathbandhan crumbled due to seat-sharing disputes and weak leadership. Tejashwi Yadav’s “10 lakh jobs” pledge lacked credibility, while corruption allegations and internal strife eroded trust. The alliance failed to counter the NDA’s narrative effectively.
Conclusion: Bihar’s Political Paradigm Shift
The NDA’s victory signals a move from identity politics to governance-centric elections. With Nitish Kumar likely retaining the CM seat and BJP expanding its influence, Bihar enters an era of potential stability. The opposition must rethink strategy, but for now, the NDA’s 2025 win stands as a masterclass in coalition politics and voter outreach.
— NextMinuteNews
