NDA's Resounding Victory in Bihar: A Nitish Kumar Mandate
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a spectacular victory in the Bihar Assembly elections, winning 202 out of 243 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan managed only 35. This decisive mandate, announced in mid-November, represents a historic third term for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and demonstrates Bihar voters' preference for continuity over change.
Why the Opposition's Campaign Failed to Resonate
The Opposition alliance ran a vigorous campaign centered around allegations of electoral irregularities and 'voter chori' (vote theft). However, this high-pitched narrative largely failed to connect with Bihar's electorate. Inquilab editorial noted that voters made a clear distinction between allegations and evidence, ultimately rejecting the Opposition's claims.
The Mahagathbandhan faced significant internal challenges that hampered their campaign effectiveness. Internal rifts, leadership confusion, and inability to finalize clear seat-sharing arrangements created fundamental weaknesses in their electoral strategy. Despite energetic campaigning by Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, they failed to ensure unity and coordination among Opposition ranks.
Nitish Kumar: The Central Pillar of NDA's Success
Nitish Kumar's leadership emerged as the cornerstone of the NDA's campaign strategy. His credibility, administrative experience, and political sagacity resonated strongly with voters, who dismissed Opposition attempts to raise concerns about his health issues. The editorial highlighted that Kumar's decision to provide Rs 10,000 financial assistance to over one crore women across Bihar proved particularly influential in securing women's votes.
Chirag Paswan, leader of the LJP(RV), also played a crucial role in shaping the NDA's triumph. The massive victory places significant responsibility on the NDA government to deliver on its promises of job creation for youth, reducing migration, empowering women, and maintaining law and order.
Broader Political Implications and Future Challenges
The Urdu Times editorial raised important questions about the BJP's expanding dominance across Indian states, wondering whether regional parties capable of challenging its supremacy have become politically weakened. The newspaper also questioned the Opposition's strategy, noting that despite repeatedly alleging electoral irregularities in Haryana, Maharashtra, and now Bihar, they have failed to mobilize significant street protests.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's victory speech indicated that the BJP sees Bihar as paving the way for success in West Bengal elections scheduled for 2026. However, Siasat editorial cautioned that West Bengal would present a much tougher challenge for the BJP compared to Bihar. The key difference lies in Mamata Banerjee's strong grassroots connect and her firm administrative control as three-term chief minister.
As the NDA celebrates its decisive mandate, the coming months will test whether the Opposition can reorganize itself to effectively challenge the ruling alliance's political dominance, both in Bihar and nationally.
