Patna, Bihar – In a resounding victory that cements his position as a dominant force in Bihar politics, Nitish Kumar is set to continue his reign as Chief Minister, with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) securing a crushing majority of 202 seats in the 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly. The results, declared by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday, mark a significant win for the NDA and a setback for the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led Mahagathbandhan.
The election, held in two phases on November 6 and 11, saw a historic voter turnout of 67.13%, the highest since the first Assembly elections in the state in 1951. This significant increase in participation fueled speculation about a possible change in government, but the NDA managed to retain its stronghold, reaffirming the enduring appeal of both Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Within the NDA, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the strongest party, winning the most seats in a Bihar Legislative Assembly election for the first time. Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), a key NDA constituent, also performed strongly, recording its best result since 2010. Other NDA allies, including the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (LJPRV) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RSHTLKM), also secured seats.
The Mahagathbandhan, which includes the RJD and the Indian National Congress (INC), struggled to make a significant impact. Tejashwi Yadav, the leader of the RJD and the Chief Ministerial face of the Mahagathbandhan, saw his party fall to third place for the first time since 2010. The Congress party faced a sharp decline, winning a mere 5 seats.
Several factors contributed to the NDA's victory. Nitish Kumar's image as "Sushasan Babu" (good governance man), built on efforts to restore law and order, tackle crime, and develop the administrative system, resonated with voters. Welfare schemes targeting women also played a crucial role, with women voters turning out in large numbers to support the JD(U). Strategic management of political alliances and a consolidation of votes also helped the NDA.
The results highlight the continued fragmentation of votes, with the NDA securing 47.2% of the vote share compared to the Mahagathbandhan's 37.3%. The NDA also built a diverse coalition based on caste identities, consolidating support among upper castes, EBCs, non-Yadav OBCs, and "Mahadalits".
For Nitish Kumar, this victory marks a continuation of his long and influential political career. Born in 1951, Kumar has served as Chief Minister of Bihar for multiple terms since 2005, interrupted only by a brief period in 2014. He has also held various positions in the Union government, including Minister of Railways, Agriculture, and Transport. His ability to navigate the complex political landscape of Bihar and maintain his appeal among voters has been key to his success. He is now set to take the oath for a record tenth time as Chief Minister.
As Bihar looks ahead, the focus will be on the new government's ability to address the state's economic challenges and meet the expectations of its citizens. With a strong mandate, Nitish Kumar is well-positioned to continue his agenda of development and good governance, shaping the future of Bihar for years to come.
