Patna: The Janata Dal (United) [JDU] has emerged as a key player in Bihar's political landscape, significantly boosting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's position. The 2025 Assembly elections witnessed a remarkable resurgence of the JDU, which saw its seat tally jump from a low of 43 in 2020 to a high of 85. This near 100% increase underscores the party's revitalized influence and Nitish Kumar's enduring political capital in the state.
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Nitish Kumar and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), secured a decisive victory in the Bihar Assembly elections. The NDA's success can be attributed to a meticulously crafted campaign that emphasized stability, development, and inclusivity. The coalition's narrative of a "double-engine government" under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar resonated powerfully with voters.
A significant factor in the NDA's triumph was its ability to build a broader social coalition. Traditionally, Bihar's politics have been dominated by the Muslim-Yadav (M-Y) alliance, which primarily benefited the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). However, the 2025 elections saw the emergence of a new arithmetic, emphasizing women and Economically Backward Classes (EBCs), creating a "ME" factor that substantially boosted the NDA's vote share. The NDA successfully consolidated the upper castes through the BJP, while Nitish Kumar's JDU secured a strong base among Kurmis and EBCs, who constitute a significant portion of Bihar's population.
Nitish Kumar's strategic focus on women-centric welfare policies played a decisive role in the NDA's success. Election Commission data revealed a historic high of 71.6% women's voter turnout, significantly surpassing the 62.8% turnout among men. This unprecedented participation tilted the scales in favor of Nitish Kumar's government, reflecting the electorate's positive response to nearly two decades of targeted schemes aimed at empowering women across the state. Initiatives such as the Mukhyamantri Balika Cycle Yojana, which provides free bicycles to schoolgirls, and the Jeevika self-help group program, which promotes microfinance and entrepreneurship in rural areas, have further empowered women. Additionally, the government implemented a 50% reservation for women in panchayats and urban local bodies and a 35% quota for women in police recruitment. These welfare measures have been key drivers behind women's growing political engagement and loyalty to Nitish Kumar's alliance.
In contrast, the RJD-Congress alliance struggled to expand its appeal beyond its traditional M-Y base. Despite Tejashwi Yadav's efforts to connect with women voters through initiatives like the Mai Bahin Maan Yojana, the Mahagathbandhan failed to match the impact of the NDA's targeted welfare schemes. The RJD's seat tally slipped to 25 from 75, highlighting the limitations of relying solely on its core vote bank. The Congress party also faced significant setbacks, winning only six out of the 61 seats it contested.
The NDA's victory margin of over 200 seats was built on a 10-percentage-point vote share advantage and the effective collapse of multi-cornered contests. The alliance secured 47.2% of the vote, while the Mahagathbandhan obtained 37.3%. The NDA's success was further amplified by broadening caste coalitions beyond traditional alignments, disrupting longstanding vote banks, and capitalizing on the enduring Nitish Kumar factor.
Nitish Kumar's political acumen and ability to navigate shifting political landscapes have been key to his enduring influence in Bihar's politics. His strategic alliances and governance brand have allowed him to remain central to the state's political narrative for over two decades. Despite occasional shifts in coalition choices, Nitish Kumar has consistently focused on governance and development, earning him the moniker of "Sushasan Babu". His emphasis on improving law and order, infrastructure, and social welfare has resonated with voters and contributed to his sustained popularity.
