Why Bihar Gave a ‘Right Swipe’ to the Modi–Nitish Duo: 11 Big Reasons Behind NDA’s Historic Victory

New Delhi: The landslide victory of the NDA in the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections and the crushing defeat of the Mahagathbandhan have triggered intense political discussions. The key question is—where did Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi go wrong? And equally important—why did the people of Bihar once again repose faith in the Modi–Nitish partnership?

Here are the 11 major reasons that explain the NDA’s unprecedented triumph:

1. The “Ni-Mo Effect”

The combined appeal of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s local credibility and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s national charisma worked wonders. Nitish’s record in improving roads, electricity supply, and law-and-order paired well with Modi’s decisive leadership and organisational strength. Together, they projected stability and development—precisely what voters wanted.

2. Skilled Coalition Management by the NDA

The NDA demonstrated how to construct and maintain a broad social and political coalition. Despite internal differences, BJP and JDU maintained discipline during campaigning. Strategic seat-sharing, candidate selection, and coordination ensured smooth functioning at the grassroots. Inclusion of LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM, and RLSP strengthened the alliance socially and electorally.

3. Memories of the ‘Jungle Raj’

The fear of returning to the lawlessness of the Lalu-Rabri era continued to influence voters. BJP and JDU successfully reminded people of the past marked by corruption, caste dominance, and administrative collapse. Tejashwi Yadav, being the chosen successor of Lalu Prasad, became an easy target for these allegations.

4. Women Voters Strongly Favoured NDA

Schemes such as financial assistance to SHG women, enhanced old-age pensions, housing support, free LPG connections, and improved safety brought women decisively towards NDA. Increased female voter turnout—nearly 10% higher than men—played a crucial role. Many did not want to lose the freedom and security they experienced under Nitish’s administration.

5. Strategic Attacks on Opposition Errors

NDA focused sharply on blocking the Mahagathbandhan’s attempts to consolidate non-Yadav OBC, EBC, and upper-caste votes. Social welfare schemes, especially targeted at women and youth, countered the M-Y (Muslim–Yadav) narrative. RJD’s controversial candidates and aggressive supporters provided easy ammunition for NDA.

6. Quick and Effective Political Responses

The NDA’s proactive approach during the campaign—particularly its strong cultural outreach—paid off. PM Modi’s move to elevate Chhath Puja to national prominence resonated deeply with Biharis across India. Special Chhath trains, festival music at stations, and continuous messaging reinforced NDA’s cultural connect.

7. RJD Stuck in the M-Y Trap

While the Muslim–Yadav vote remained loyal, it prevented RJD from expanding into other social groups. Aggressive statements by some Yadav leaders alienated EBC voters. RJD failed to attract women outside its core support base, leading to major losses in crucial constituencies.

8. Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Stolen Votes’ Narrative Failed

Rahul Gandhi’s repeated allegations of voter fraud failed to convince the electorate. His focus on S.I.R. (Systematic Voter Education and Electoral Literacy) consumed valuable campaign time. His rallies were largely attended by M-Y groups, giving misleading signals about broader public sentiment.

9. Tejashwi Yadav Failed to Break Free from Lalu’s Shadow

Despite efforts to present a clean image, Tejashwi could not disconnect himself from allegations of corruption and the legacy of Jungle Raj. His limited grassroots engagement further weakened his appeal among floating voters.

10. The ‘Forward vs Backward’ Formula Lost Relevance

The old caste-based slogan of “Forward vs Backward” no longer resonated with voters. Both Modi and Nitish being OBCs neutralised this narrative. The caste survey conducted by the Nitish government and supported by BJP blunted the Mahagathbandhan’s attempts to exploit caste divisions.

11. Lack of Chemistry Within the Opposition Alliance

From the beginning, internal coherence was missing. Congress hesitated to accept Tejashwi as leader, leading to mistrust. RJD giving Congress 63 seats proved a blunder, considering Congress’s weak ground presence. The late induction of smaller leaders like Mukesh Sahani appeared opportunistic and failed to energise the opposition.

Conclusion

The Bihar verdict clearly shows that voters preferred stability, development, and a culturally connected leadership. The Modi–Nitish alliance successfully projected a united front, while the opposition struggled with internal confusion and outdated political formulas. The result: an overwhelming mandate for the NDA and a historic shift in Bihar’s political landscape.

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