Five Election Missteps of the Grand Alliance Backfire, Leading to Tejashwi Yadav’s Crushing Defeat

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Patna: Bihar’s political landscape witnessed a dramatic shift this election, as the NDA’s strategic focus on women and youth, coupled with strict law-and-order messaging and the Grand Alliance’s fragmented unity, tilted the scales decisively. In the end, the very tactics that the Grand Alliance, and particularly RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, relied upon backfired spectacularly, resulting in a devastating defeat.

Here’s how the Grand Alliance’s key five strategies misfired:

1. NDA’s “MY” Factor Outperformed RJD’s
In a repeat of previous electoral dynamics, the NDA leveraged its “MY” factor—focusing on Women and Youth—to counter the RJD’s “MY” (Muslim-Yadav) combination. The inclusion of Chirag Paswan’s faction, along with support from Jitan Ram Manjhi and Upendra Kushwaha, strengthened NDA’s social equations. This strategy ensured NDA’s decisive win across multiple constituencies.

2. Law-and-Order Narrative Shifted Voter Sentiment
The opposition’s attempts to counter the law-and-order issue fell flat. NDA’s emphasis on preventing a return to “Jungle Raj” resonated with all sections, including migrant families concerned about their relatives’ safety. The Grand Alliance could not effectively counter this narrative, leaving voters convinced that only NDA could maintain stability.

3. Women-Centric Initiatives Paid Off
Pre-election schemes, such as the Chief Minister’s Women Employment Program, offered ₹10,000 financial aid to women, with additional rewards up to ₹2 lakh for effective utilization. Over 1 crore women benefited from this initiative, along with increased old-age pensions and 125 free electricity units. These measures significantly bolstered NDA’s appeal among female voters.

4. Opposition Attacks on Nitish Backfired
Opposition parties tried to highlight concerns about Nitish Kumar’s health and governance. However, these attacks inadvertently generated voter sympathy. Women voters, in particular, rallied behind Nitish, maintaining support for prohibition policies while overlooking minor grievances voiced by male voters.

5. Grand Alliance’s Disunity Was Exposed
The lack of cohesion within the Grand Alliance further weakened its prospects. Internal conflicts and “friendly fights” among allies sent a clear message to voters that the coalition could not deliver stable governance. NDA, in contrast, executed effective booth management and reinforced voter confidence, making the Grand Alliance’s promises appear hollow.

Conclusion:
Bihar’s 2025 elections clearly demonstrated that strategic outreach to women and youth, law-and-order messaging, and coalition unity are decisive factors. While the Grand Alliance relied on outdated formulas, NDA’s precise targeting of voter priorities and organizational efficiency ensured its landslide victory, leaving Tejashwi Yadav and allies with a disappointing mandate.

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