New Delhi: As the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) powers towards another historic victory in the Bihar Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers this evening at the party headquarters in the national capital.
The NDA’s strong lead—driven by the combined popularity of Nitish Kumar and PM Modi—has positioned the alliance to potentially surpass its 2010 record of 206 seats. Current trends indicate that voters have once again placed their trust in Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Modi.
As of 12:52 pm, the Nitish Kumar-led NDA is ahead in 197 seats, with the BJP leading in 90, JD(U) in 80, LJP in 20, HAM in 3, and RLM in 4. On the opposition side, the RJD leads in 28 seats, Congress in 4, CPI(ML) in 4, and CPI-M in 1—taking their total to 39. Additionally, the BSP is leading in one seat and AIMIM in five.
For Nitish Kumar, who has governed Bihar for nearly two decades, this election was seen as a test of his political endurance and public credibility. Once hailed as “Sushashan Babu” for steering the state out of what was described as “jungle raj,” he has recently faced signs of voter fatigue and scrutiny over shifting alliances. However, the latest trends show a renewed wave of support for his governance model.
A reinvigorated BJP–JD(U) partnership reshaped the political landscape this election season. With PM Modi’s strong nationwide appeal and Nitish Kumar’s grassroots connect, the coalition campaigned on themes of welfare delivery, infrastructure growth, social schemes, and administrative stability—creating a formidable force poised for a sweeping win.
The NDA has also highlighted Bihar’s transformation, pointing to improved security and election conduct. Historical comparisons are stark: the 1985 elections saw 63 deaths and repolling in 156 booths; in 1990, there were 87 deaths; in 1995, polls were postponed four times due to violence; in 2005, repolling was ordered in 660 booths. In contrast, the 2025 elections recorded zero violence and zero repolling—hailed as a testament to strengthened law and order.
The results continue a pattern of strong support for the BJP and PM Modi, consistent across the 2014, 2019, and 2024 Lok Sabha elections, as well as the 2020 and now 2025 Bihar Assembly polls.
Bihar—India’s third most populous state, with nearly 89% of its population living in rural areas—has long been a key player in national politics. The NDA attributes its mandate to robust rural backing and what it calls a “vote for dignity and self-respect.” The coalition also accused the INDI Alliance of disrespecting Bihar, citing comments by opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on Chhath Puja. The NDA positioned PM Modi’s push for Chhath Puja’s inclusion in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list as a reflection of its commitment to Bihar’s cultural identity.
Though often labelled a ‘paltu ram’ by rivals, Nitish Kumar continues to retain a strong vote base due to his track record of delivering development, improving rural infrastructure, and providing direct financial support. His focus on inclusive growth has earned him credibility across social groups.
Nitish Kumar’s political journey—spanning more than four decades—has been marked by adaptability and strategic acumen. Emerging from the JP movement in the 1970s, he contested the Harnaut Assembly seat in 1985 under Janata Party leader Satyendra Narain Sinha and became a prominent advocate for backward castes and secular politics.
His governance in Bihar has focused on development, inclusivity, and improved living standards, contributing to his acceptance across communities, including Muslims. Inspired by stalwarts like Ram Manohar Lohia, SN Sinha, Karpuri Thakur, and VP Singh, Nitish honed his political instincts during the JP movement, earning recognition from major national leaders.
