Tuesday, March 10
Bihar's 2025 election sees the NDA secure a decisive victory, with Nitish Kumar and PM Modi emerging as key winners. Women voters played a pivotal role, driving turnout and influencing the mandate. Conversely, Tejashwi Yadav faced a significant setback, failing to convert momentum into votes, while Rahul Gandhi and Prashant Kishor also experienced disappointing results.
JD(U) candidate Mahabali Singh is leading in the Karakat Assembly constituency's counting, with Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh's wife, Jyoti Singh, trailing. Meanwhile, the National Democratic Alliance is heading for a sweeping victory in Bihar, crossing the 200-seat mark and reinforcing Nitish Kumar's long-standing governance.
Early Bihar election trends show the NDA leading significantly, prompting the Mahagathbandhan to renew "vote chori" accusations. Congress leaders allege the Election Commission colluded with the ruling party, citing alleged irregularities and money distribution. They frame the outcome as a contest between the ECI and the people of Bihar, awaiting final results.
Prashant Kishor's ambitious Jan Suraaj party faced a significant setback in the Bihar elections. Despite meticulous planning and a nationwide padyatra, the party struggled to connect with voters on the ground. A lack of local leadership and candidate recognition proved to be major hurdles. The party's focus on professional credentials over local roots also impacted its performance.
Nitish Kumar's JD(U) achieved a remarkable comeback in Bihar, nearly doubling its seats to 85 and proving his leadership despite facing numerous challenges. Focusing on development and women voters, Nitish defied predictions of a decline. However, the BJP's stronger performance within the NDA might complicate his return as Chief Minister, signaling tough negotiations ahead.
The National Democratic Alliance is poised to retain power in Bihar with a significantly strengthened mandate, projected to win around 200 seats in the 243-member assembly. The BJP is leading in 91 seats and JD(U) in 79, outperforming rivals across all regions. The Mahagathbandhan secured only 37 seats, with RJD leading in 28.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor expressed that he was not invited to campaign in Bihar, where the party faced a significant setback. He emphasised the need for a detailed examination of the reasons behind the poor performance, including the popular mood, organisational strengths, and messaging.
