Bihar Election 2024: NDA’s Landslide Victory Shrinks Opposition to Record Low
In a seismic political shift, Bihar’s Opposition alliance crumbled to just 35 seats in the 243-member assembly—its worst performance in 15 years. The NDA, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and the BJP, clinched a staggering 208 seats. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the win a “mandate for development” and signaled ambitions for the 2026 West Bengal elections.
Opposition Rout: RJD, Congress Face Existential Crisis
The Mahagathbandhan (RJD-Congress-Left coalition) suffered a staggering defeat:
– RJD collapsed from 80 to 25 seats despite Tejashwi Yadav’s jobs-focused campaign.
– Congress hit rock bottom with only 8 seats, underscoring its decline in Hindi heartland states.
– Left parties were nearly wiped out, failing to win a single seat.
Analysts blame the Opposition’s loss on infighting, weak messaging, and the NDA’s relentless focus on infrastructure and welfare schemes.
“Bihar has voted for progress, not populism,” declared BJP state chief Samrat Choudhary.
How the NDA Dominated: 3 Key Strategies
- Caste Consolidation: Nitish Kumar locked in Kurmi-Koeri and EBC votes while BJP secured upper-caste and Dalit support.
- Modi’s Brand Power: Schemes like PM-KISAN and Ayushman Bharat fueled BJP’s grassroots appeal.
- Women & Development Focus: 35% job quotas for women and highway projects swayed rural and urban voters alike.
Modi’s Bengal Blueprint: “Bihar Just the Beginning”
At a Patna victory rally, PM Modi linked Bihar’s result to the BJP’s 2026 Bengal ambitions:
“This verdict rejects division and backs development. Bengal will be next.”
The BJP aims to replicate Bihar’s Hindu unity strategy in Bengal, where it plans to challenge Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress.
What’s Ahead for Bihar & National Politics?
- Nitish Kumar’s Future: Expected to leverage the win for central funds, but BJP may push for leadership changes later.
- Opposition Reckoning: RJD and Congress must overhaul strategies to survive.
- 2026 Bengal Battle: Bihar’s result energizes BJP’s campaign to expand eastward.
“The Opposition’s collapse in Bihar is a national warning,” says political expert Prof. Sanjay Kumar.
