The election to the Bihar legislative assembly, results of which were declared on Friday, has once again laid bare the state’s singular political dynamics and the changing preferences of its voters. The NDA secured a landslide victory, claiming 202 seats, decimating the Opposition in a ruthless display of electoral might in the 243-seat State. The results depict a subtle shift in voter sentiments, local alliances, and the caste and development issues that have long been influential factors. It narrates the story of Bihar’s politics not only as a past but also as a future for its administration and policy-making.
The much-awaited showdown between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which consisted of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United), and the Mahagathbandhan, which was RJD and its allies-led turned out to be a damp squib. Much was expected from the alliance, and going by the run-up to elections, there was an impression that the NDA would be given a run for their money. The Mahagathbandhan tried to win over the support of the various caste groups by pointing out social justice, providing schemes, and raising the anti-incumbency feeling among the people, while the NDA banked on development-oriented slogans and the national popularity of its leaders. What followed is just embarrassment.
This result appears to be the very essence of Bihar’s political stability as the NDA is forming the government again with the lead of Nitish Kumar, the man who has, during the past 20-plus years, played a major role in the state’s politics. The result is also a reaffirmation of Nitish’s command. Different alliances have been stitched and different ideologies have been held, but through all these years, Nitish has successfully maneuvered the complicated social fabric in Bihar and made good the promises of development. Though the outcome of the poll strengthens his political stamina, shifts in future alliances still remain a question.
Secondly, the election result would not have been what it is without the caste dynamics. Once again, one witnessed that voters in Bihar are very much divided along caste lines, and every caste community is passionately defending its rights by voting for the party that will secure and protect them. The RJD’s hold on Yadavs and Muslims is firm, but the NDA’s plan to unify other backward classes and upper castes gave the party a way to win the critical seats.
Another aspect covered by the elections is the influence of the regional identity and local issues on the election results. Although national concerns and policies of the Centre do affect politics in Bihar, the matters of local government, law and order, and social welfare schemes have been the major factors deciding voters’ inclinations. NDA’s sweeping win signifies a preference for stability and continuity, particularly in a state that has been plagued by disasters such as floods, migration, and rural poverty.
Now, with the new administration, all eyes will be on the old developmental issues of Bihar that have been going on for a long time. Some of the pressing issues that the NDA will have to tackle include ensuring equal growth, giving good healthcare and education, and, at the same time, maintaining peace in society.
The Bihar result highlights a change, and the success of the NDA is a clear sign of stability. Liberal democracy in Bihar, which is marked by its electorate’s variety and the fluidity of political alliances, signals that tomorrow will be characterised by even development and peace. The following years will be instrumental in determining whether Bihar will be a source of resilience and reform in India’s eastern heartland.
