Ten key reasons behind NDA’s big victory in Bihar- And why the Mahagathbandhan failed

A detailed breakdown of the political, social, and strategic factors that powered the NDA to a decisive win in Bihar, and the major reasons behind the Mahagathbandhan’s underperformance.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has registered a decisive victory in Bihar, with the alliance crossing the majority mark comfortably. According to the final tally, the NDA has won 200 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan has secured 37 seats, others secured 43 seats.

Ten reasons for NDA’s strong victory

1. Chirag Paswan staying with NDA benefited JD(U)

Despite earlier tensions, Chirag Paswan did not break away from the NDA this time. His presence helped JD(U) win more seats, strengthening the alliance’s position.

2. Women voters strongly backed the NDA

A large chunk of women voters favoured NDA parties. Their turnout was higher, and their support played a crucial role in pushing the alliance towards victory.

3. Liquor ban issue strengthened Nitish Kumar

Nitish Kumar introduced the liquor ban in 2010. Prashant Kishor suggested reversing it, which women voters strongly rejected. This helped them lean towards JD(U) again.

4. ₹10,000 scheme for women was a game-changer

The financial support provided to women in September created a positive wave for the NDA. Many women voters returned their support to Nitish Kumar.

5. Fear of “Jungle Raj” worked in NDA’s favour

PM Modi and Nitish Kumar campaigned strongly on preventing a return of the old “Jungle Raj,” which resonated with several sections of society.

6. Promise of 125 units of free electricity

Nitish Kumar’s promise of free electricity up to 125 units every month attracted many voters struggling with rising household expenses.

7. Strong support from non-Yadav OBC communities

Non-Yadav OBC groups showed clear support for JD(U), pushing the NDA ahead in several key constituencies.

8. Muslim votes not entirely consolidated behind RJD

A portion of the Muslim electorate shifted towards Nitish Kumar instead of backing RJD completely, weakening the opposition’s vote bank.

9. Nitish Kumar’s governance record and experience

Nitish’s long-standing leadership, past governance record, and administrative experience convinced many voters to trust him again.

10. Women’s safety and infrastructure improvements under Nitish

Women felt safer under Nitish’s rule, and improvements in roads, electricity, and services helped build confidence in his leadership.

Reasons behind Mahagathbandhan’s defeat

1. Giving 61 seats to a weak Congress hurt the alliance

Congress remained organisationally weak in Bihar yet received a high number of seats, which backfired.

2. Promise of “One Government Job Per Family” failed to convince voters

The employment guarantee did not attract enough support, especially compared to NDA’s welfare schemes.

3. Poor ticket distribution among Muslim candidates

Despite high Muslim population in 87 seats, RJD did not give enough tickets, leading to dissatisfaction.

4. Internal conflicts in Lalu Yadav’s family

The rift between Lalu Prasad Yadav and his son Tej Pratap damaged the party's image. Tej Pratap contesting separately split RJD’s core votes.

5. Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj split opposition votes

PK’s party dented opposition votes but did not affect NDA’s vote share significantly.

6. AIMIM divided opposition votes again

Asaduddin Owaisi’s party weakened the Mahagathbandhan in several key regions, similar to previous elections.

7. Lack of strong leaders beyond Tejashwi Yadav

RJD lacked powerful backward-caste and Dalit leaders. Congress also had no grassroots leaders in these communities.

8. NDA’s ₹10,000 support to women outshined Mahagathbandhan’s ₹2,500 promise

Women preferred a scheme already implemented by Nitish over a future promise by the opposition.