In Bihar, Modi Factor and Nitish’s EBC, Mahadalit Base Propel NDA Over INDIA

In the recent Bihar elections, the NDA maintained its dominance by winning 30 out of 40 seats, while the opposition alliance, INDIA, secured 9 seats — an improvement from the single seat they won in 2019.

The NDA's victory has been attributed to the Narendra Modi factor besides the point that Nitish's constituency of Extreme Backward Classes (EBCs) and Mahadalits largely remained intact.

NDA’s Performance

Despite losing five seats compared to its 2019 performance, the BJP won 12 out of the 17 seats it contested. The JD(U), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, secured 12 seats, four fewer than in 2019. The NDA’s success has been attributed to the Narendra Modi factor and the support from Nitish’s constituency of Extreme Backward Classes (EBCs) and Mahadalits.

Key Allies and Victories

Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) won all five seats it contested, continuing its strong performance from 2019. Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) candidate and former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi won the Gaya seat, reinforcing NDA’s strength.

However, Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief Upendra Kushwaha lost in Karakat, largely due to the presence of BJP rebel Pawan Singh.

INDIA’s Struggles and Gains

The RJD, part of the INDIA bloc, won 4 out of 23 seats, marking its return to the Lok Sabha after a gap of five years. Lalu Prasad’s daughter, Misa Bharti, won the Pataliputra seat, a first for the party since its creation in 2008.

Notable Wins and Losses

• RJD’s Breakthroughs: The RJD broke through in the BJP stronghold of Buxar with Sudhakar Singh defeating BJP’s Mithilesh Tiwari.

• Congress’s Improved Performance: The Congress increased its seat count from one in 2019 to three, winning in Katihar and Sasaram.

• CPI (ML)L’s Emergence: The CPI (ML)L’s Sudama Prasad and Raja Ram Singh became giant-killers in Arrah and Karakat, respectively.
  

Setbacks and Surprises

• Independent Victory: Rajesh Ranjan, an independent candidate, won the Purnia seat, defeating the JD(U) incumbent.

• Key Losses: The JD(U) lost seats in Kishanganj, Katihar, and Jehanabad.

Conclusion

The NDA’s success in Bihar was driven by a combination of Modi’s influence and Nitish Kumar’s loyal base among EBCs and Mahadalits. Meanwhile, the opposition bloc, INDIA, managed significant gains but fell short of toppling the NDA’s dominance. The emergence of CPI (ML)L as a formidable force and the improved performance of Congress highlight the evolving political landscape in Bihar.