Patna (Bihar) [India], November 14 (ANI): As counting continues for the Bihar Assembly elections, early leads indicate a strong and commanding advantage for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), signaling what could become one of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s most decisive electoral victories.
Trends suggest that the renewed JD(U)–BJP partnership, bolstered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nationwide popularity, is propelling the ruling NDA toward a sweeping mandate in the 243-seat assembly.
The Nitish Kumar-led NDA has secured a combined total of 188 seats, with BJP leading in 85, JD(U) in 75, LJP in 22, HAM in 4, and RLM in 3, according to Election Commission data at 11:45 a.m.
The RJD is ahead in 36 seats, Congress in 6, CPI(ML) in 7, and CPI-M and VIP in 1 seat each, bringing their total to 51. Additionally, BSP leads in one seat and AIMIM in three seats.
For Nitish Kumar, who has governed the state for nearly two decades, this election has been viewed as a test of both his political endurance and public trust. Once celebrated as “Sushashan Babu” for steering Bihar out of the era often described as “jungle raj,” the Chief Minister has in recent years faced signs of voter fatigue and criticism over shifting political alliances.
Despite this, current trends suggest a remarkable shift on the ground, indicating that voters are once again placing confidence in his governance model.
The return of a coordinated, enthusiastic BJP–JD(U) alliance has reshaped the electoral landscape. With Prime Minister Modi campaigning alongside Nitish Kumar, the coalition presented a united front focused on welfare delivery, infrastructure expansion, social programs, and administrative stability.
The combination of PM Modi’s national appeal and the Bihar CM’s extensive grassroots presence has created a formidable electoral force—one that now appears on track for a landslide victory. As Bihar approaches the final verdict, the Modi–Nitish partnership has emerged as the defining factor in this assembly election.
The ruling alliance has emphasized that Bihar’s transformation is reflected not only in electoral outcomes but also in the conduct of the elections themselves. Historical comparisons highlight a dramatic shift: the 1985 elections saw 63 deaths and repolling in 156 booths; in 1990, 87 deaths were reported; in 1995, elections were postponed four times due to widespread violence under Chief Election Commissioner T. N. Seshan; and in 2005, repolling was ordered in 660 booths. In contrast, the 2025 elections recorded zero repolling and zero violence—an outcome the NDA credits to improved law and order.
The results reaffirm a trend seen across multiple elections, with Bihar offering strong support to the BJP and Prime Minister Modi in the 2014, 2019, and 2024 Lok Sabha polls, as well as in the 2020 and now 2025 Assembly elections.
Bihar, India’s third most populous state—nearly 89 percent rural—has long played a crucial role in shaping national politics. The NDA leadership attributes the current mandate to the state’s strong rural support base and what it describes as a “vote for dignity and self-respect.”
The ruling bloc also accused the INDI Alliance of disrespecting the state, citing remarks by its leaders, including Rahul Gandhi’s comments on Chhath Puja. The NDA highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s push for Chhath Puja to be included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list as a reflection of its commitment to Bihar’s cultural identity.
Often labeled by opponents as “paltu ram” (a frequent turncoat), Nitish Kumar has nonetheless maintained a strong and reliable voter base. His enduring popularity stems from a focus on tangible development and inclusive growth.
He has implemented policies that improved rural infrastructure and provided direct financial assistance, earning trust across communities. Voters remember his fulfilled promises and value steady progress over political rhetoric.
Nitish Kumar’s political trajectory, spanning more than four decades, is widely regarded as a study in adaptability and strategic clarity. Rising through the JP movement of the mid-1970s, he contested the Harnaut Assembly seat in 1985 under the Janata Party leadership of Satyendra Narain Sinha and emerged as a prominent voice for backward castes and secular politics.
His governance in Bihar has prioritized development and inclusivity, helping him maintain popularity among diverse communities, including Muslims. His schemes and policies have driven economic growth, upgraded infrastructure, and improved living standards, resonating deeply with voters.
Nitish Kumar’s political journey reflects decades of strategic evolution. Influenced by leaders such as Ram Manohar Lohia, S. N. Sinha, Karpuri Thakur, and V. P. Singh, he honed his political skills during the JP movement (1974–1977) under Jayaprakash Narayan. This early exposure shaped him into the influential leader he is today. (ANI)
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