The National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) victory in the Bihar Assembly elections reinforces Prime Minister Narendra Modi's standing as a dominant force in Indian politics. The results, announced on November 14, 2025, showcase the NDA's resilience and ability to connect with voters, particularly women, in the crucial Hindi heartland.
Bihar, with its large population and significant representation in Parliament, holds immense political weight. The NDA's success here underscores its influence in northern India and strengthens its bargaining power on the national stage. This win is particularly significant after the previous national election where Modi had to rely on allies to maintain a parliamentary majority.
Several factors contributed to the NDA's victory. Targeted economic measures, such as direct benefit transfers to women, appear to have resonated with voters. Women's participation in the electoral process has been steadily increasing, and they are widely seen as having played a crucial role in tipping the balance in favor of the NDA. The BJP also highlighted that the high turnout of women voters in Bihar was a "historic transformation" and claimed that they voted "decisively" in favor of the NDA for development and good governance. Furthermore, welfare schemes already in place, such as DBT transfers, pensions and women-focused support, were preferred by voters over new promises.
The NDA secured 125 seats, narrowly surpassing the majority mark of 122 in the 243-member assembly. While the opposition Mahagathbandhan (MGB) put up a strong fight, winning 110 seats, the NDA's superior efficiency in converting votes into seats proved decisive. The BJP emerged as the dominant force within the NDA, winning 74 of its 110 contested seats. The Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), led by Nitish Kumar, secured 43 seats. Despite the close contest, the NDA's victory reflects its ability to build a broad winning coalition, securing support from various caste groups and communities.
The performance of Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) [LJP(RV)] was also a key highlight of the election. The LJP(RV) contested as part of the NDA and its strong performance, leading on 22 seats, strengthened the ruling alliance's momentum. This comeback is particularly noteworthy, as the party had been written off after winning just one seat in the 2020 elections.
The Bihar election results also hold implications for the opposition. The MGB's inability to mobilize women voters and counter targeted welfare initiatives proved to be a challenge. The Congress party, a key member of the MGB, underperformed, winning only 19 of its 70 contested seats. Additionally, smaller regional outfits were squeezed out altogether.
Looking ahead, the NDA's win in Bihar sets the stage for upcoming state elections in Assam, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu. While these states present different political landscapes, the NDA will aim to replicate its success in Bihar and further expand its influence across the country. The Bihar polls also witnessed the entry of a new political party led by Prashant Kishor, whose Jan Suraaj party did not lead in any seats.
In conclusion, the NDA's victory in Bihar is a significant achievement for Prime Minister Modi, solidifying his position as a dominant leader and strengthening the NDA's influence in a key Indian state. The election outcome underscores the importance of targeted welfare programs, women's participation, and effective coalition building in achieving electoral success.
