Did Women Decide Bihar’s Political Game? Nitish’s ₹10,000 Scheme or Tejashwi’s ‘Mai–Bahan’ Promise Turns into Gamechanger

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Patna: The first phase of voting in the Bihar Assembly elections on 121 seats witnessed record-breaking turnout, especially among women voters — a factor that may dramatically reshape the state’s political equation. The big question now echoing across political corridors is: Who will benefit from this surge — Nitish Kumar or Tejashwi Yadav?

According to the Election Commission, an impressive 64.69% voter turnout was recorded in the first phase — almost a 13% jump compared to 2020, when polling had touched just 51.1% by 5 p.m. Notably, women voters outnumbered men this time. Out of 3.75 crore total voters, 1.76 crore were women and 1.98 crore were men — signaling a massive rise in female participation.

Women’s Turnout: A Political Turning Point

Traditionally, higher voting percentages have been associated with anti-incumbency. But Bihar has often defied this trend. In the past, women’s higher turnout has consistently benefited Nitish Kumar and the NDA alliance. This time too, analysts suggest that Nitish’s ₹10,000 cash transfer scheme for women may have played a decisive role.

On the other hand, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has tried to woo women with his ‘Mai–Bahan Yojana,’ promising a one-time payment of ₹30,000. The competition between the two camps for the women’s vote bank has turned the electoral field into a psychological and emotional battle for empowerment and trust.

How Nitish’s Scheme May Have Tipped the Scale

Experts estimate that the state government deposited ₹10,000 each into the accounts of over 1.5 crore women, potentially influencing around 4.5 crore votes if we consider their families. Political observers compare this to the PM Kisan Scheme, which proved to be a masterstroke in the 2019 general elections by countering anti-incumbency sentiment.

In the 2020 elections, women’s turnout was the highest in 167 constituencies, and NDA managed to win 99 of those — a clear indicator of the female vote’s decisive role in Bihar politics.

Nitish’s Deep Connect with Women Voters

Political analyst Ramakant Chandan notes that Nitish Kumar’s rapport with women is not new. Since 2005, policies such as bicycle distribution, prohibition on liquor, and women’s safety programs have helped him build a strong emotional connection with women across rural and urban Bihar.
Even today, surveys suggest that Nitish enjoys a 32% lead among female voters compared to Tejashwi Yadav.

Opposition’s Worries Reflect Scheme’s Impact

The fact that both Tejashwi Yadav and Priyanka Gandhi are repeatedly attacking Nitish’s women-centric schemes indicates the opposition’s anxiety over their growing impact.

The Verdict Awaits

Whether the massive women turnout turns into a blessing for Nitish or becomes Tejashwi’s unexpected triumph will only be clear on November 14, when the election results are announced.
For now, one thing is certain — in Bihar’s 2025 political chessboard, women have made the most powerful move.