Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has once again proved why he remains one of the most resilient political figures in India. The results of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections have reaffirmed his influence, with the ruling NDA coalition—led by JD(U) and BJP—returning to power with an improved tally, defying nearly all exit poll predictions.
NDA Surges Ahead, Mahagathbandhan Stumbles
The electoral contest was primarily between the JD(U)-BJP-led NDA and the Mahagathbandhan spearheaded by Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD. Contrary to the widespread belief that the elections would be tightly fought, the results revealed a decisive shift in favour of the ruling coalition.
While the JD(U) and BJP both improved their strike rates, the RJD witnessed a dramatic decline, slipping from 75 seats in the previous Assembly to just 28 seats, pushing the party from the No. 1 position to No. 3. The Congress also failed to revive its fortunes.
The election results have not only shattered exit polls but have also reaffirmed that Nitish Kumar’s political appeal remains intact across large sections of Bihar’s electorate.
Women Voters Emerge as the Biggest Game Changer
One of the most significant factors behind the NDA’s performance has been the unprecedented support from women voters. Bihar recorded an overall turnout of 67.13%, but women outpaced men significantly, voting at 71.78%, compared to 62.98% among men.
In several districts, women’s voting percentage exceeded that of men by 10–15%. Analysts widely agree that the ₹10,000 cash transfer scheme for women—rolled out by the Nitish government shortly before the polls—proved to be a major electoral game changer.
Under the scheme, ₹10,000 was deposited into the accounts of 1.5 crore women, indirectly impacting nearly 4–5 crore family members, creating a wave of goodwill for the ruling coalition.
Policy Delivery Strengthens Nitish’s Credibility
Nitish Kumar’s enduring popularity among women has roots in his long track record of welfare initiatives:
- Free bicycles for girl students
- Prohibition policy
- Scholarships for girls
- 50% reservation for women in panchayats
- 35% reservation for women in government jobs
The latest cash transfer not only fulfilled a major campaign promise but also bolstered confidence among women voters, many of whom credited the scheme for improving household stability during economic stress.
Setback for Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party
The elections also marked a disappointing outing for Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party, which failed to open its account. Kishor’s earlier decision to withdraw from contesting from Raghopur reportedly disheartened party workers and weakened the cadre’s morale at a crucial stage. The lack of cohesion within the Mahagathbandhan further added to the opposition’s challenges.
BJP’s Strategic Push and National Stakes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah held several rallies across Bihar, reflecting the national leadership’s high stakes in the election. The NDA’s victory in Bihar is expected to influence the upcoming elections in West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, with the ruling coalition viewing the Bihar mandate as a precursor to larger political battles ahead.
With no leader of the stature of the late Sushil Modi emerging within the state BJP, the party banked heavily on the Modi–Nitish partnership—and the strategy appears to have paid off handsomely.
A 10th Term for Nitish?
Despite the NDA’s emphatic victory, the coalition did not officially project Nitish Kumar as the chief ministerial face during the campaign. While this created some discomfort among JD(U)’s core supporters, the election outcome suggests that Nitish’s connect with voters remains deeply rooted, particularly among women and rural communities.
With his party’s increased seat share and the NDA crossing expectations, Nitish Kumar looks set for a rare 10th innings in Bihar politics.
