Edited By: Rishikesh Narayan Singh Reported By: Ramakant Chandan | NavbharatTimes.com • 14 Nov 2025, 12:33 PM

Patna: The results of the Bihar Assembly Election 2025 are now almost clear, and the numbers have delivered a stunning blow to all exit poll predictions. The NDA has surged far ahead, securing a decisive mandate from the people of Bihar. But this victory did not happen by chance. Several strategic and political factors played a crucial role in shaping this outcome.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the key reasons that propelled the NDA to a sweeping win.

Public Rejects the Opposition Narrative on Nitish Kumar’s Health

One of the biggest surprises of this election is the complete rejection of the opposition’s narrative questioning Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s health and leadership capability. The Mahagathbandhan repeatedly urged voters to choose a younger face instead of an “unwell CM,” but Bihar’s electorate dismissed this argument outright.

Instead, voters extended renewed trust and confidence in Nitish Kumar’s leadership, strengthening the NDA’s position across the state.

Four Crore Beneficiaries Turned Into a Strong Support Base

The NDA government’s targeted welfare schemes created a massive bloc of nearly four crore beneficiaries, forming a powerful vote bank. On polling day, these beneficiaries delivered their support overwhelmingly to the NDA, transforming welfare-based governance into electoral strength.

Women Voters Played a Decisive Role

Women once again proved to be a game-changing force in Bihar politics. The government’s decision to transfer ₹10,000 into the bank accounts of nearly 1.3 crore women before the election became a major driver of support.

Additionally, schemes such as:

• Liquor prohibition,
• Scholarships,
• Increased honorarium for Jeevika, ASHA, and Mamta workers,
• 50% reservation in ULBs and Panchayats,
• 35% reservation in government jobs,

helped the NDA consolidate the trust of women voters, many of whom came out in large numbers to back the government.

125 Units Free Electricity: A Game-Changing Announcement

One of the most impactful pre-election announcements was 125 units of free electricity for all households. This universal benefit cut across caste and religious lines, reinforcing the message of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.”

The promise struck deeply with voters, making it harder for the Mahagathbandhan to present a competing narrative.

‘Five Pandavas’ of NDA Outplayed Mahagathbandhan’s Social Equation

In this election, the combined vote base of JDU, BJP, HAM, RLM, and LJP (Ram Vilas) worked like the “Five Pandavas.” Their well-structured social engineering strategy overshadowed the Mahagathbandhan’s caste-based political arithmetic.

Bihar has long been a hub of alliance politics built around caste coalitions. This time, that very foundation shifted in favor of the NDA.

Superior Booth Management and Effective Seat-Sharing

The NDA’s election machinery was far ahead in booth management. Reports surfaced that many Mahagathbandhan partners struggled to maintain booth agents, which hampered their ground-level performance.

Additionally, the NDA finalized seat-sharing well in advance, presenting unity and clarity. In contrast, the Mahagathbandhan was plagued by internal disputes over ticket distribution, sending a negative message to voters.

Early Selection and Announcement of Candidates Worked in NDA’s Favor

NDA was the first to announce 100% of its candidates, giving them substantial time for campaigning.
Meanwhile, the Mahagathbandhan continued to struggle with disagreements over candidate selection. In several constituencies, friendly fights between alliance partners confused voters and impacted final results.

Rebels Turned Allies Strengthened the NDA

NDA’s strategy of absorbing rebels and turning them into allies also proved beneficial. A notable example was in Tarapur, where the BJP’s decision to back VIP’s candidate helped consolidate votes and ensure victory.

Congress: A Major Reason Behind Mahagathbandhan’s Failure

A significant factor behind the NDA’s clean sweep lies in the Congress party’s lack of seriousness in the Bihar campaign. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held multiple rallies and maintained a strong presence throughout the state.
In contrast, Rahul Gandhi held very few public meetings, giving voters the impression that the Congress was not fully committed.

Upper caste and Dalit voters, who initially looked towards the Congress, eventually shifted back to the NDA due to the party’s weak campaign and internal confusion.

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