Bihar voters have definitely delivered a clear message. Political observers believe the state wasn’t just moved by the rhetoric of strong “badlav”.
Corruption, price rise, unemployment, afsarsahi (rule of the bureaucrat), the wayward policy of prohibition, and missing factories driving migration were the issues. Voters wanted better. Not from challengers, but Nitish Kumar.
Political experts believe that the Rs 10,000 transfer under Mahila Rojgar Yojana alone didn’t decide the outcome of the elections. Years of pro-women measures: school bicycles, panchayat reservations, government jobs, Jeevika self-help groups influenced the outcome.
Cash alone didn’t swing the vote. Voters were discerning, aware of timing and intent.
Political observers have highlighted Nitish Kumar’s record on law and order, roads, bridges, electricity, and women’s empowerment.
Even the new player Prashant Kishor, despite dominating social media, ended up reinforcing focus on Nitish Kumar. Voters trusted him to deliver, even if delivery was occasionally patchy.
Observers note that he brought key issues to the surface, like palayan or migration. Maybe, his promises were too big, too fast. But he needs time. Political observers suggest if he stays on, Kishor may well see that as an opening he can seize on in a future election.
The opposition fared poorly. Analysts are also of the view Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD must be mindful of caste politics.
Then there is the long shadow of “jungle raj”. And the obvious story of Congress’s weak ground mobilisation. Internal disputes and “vote chori” claims did not help the party.
There’s a school of thought that says that JD(U)-BJP combined a small core vote with broad plus votes. Analysts also argue Hindutva played a minor role.
The state’s political culture from the JP movement, Gandhi-era mobilisations, and Mandal politics shaped voter choices. Political observers claim Nitish was seen as the “vikas purush,” delivering visible results.
It’s held that Tejashwi failed to counter RJD’s image as Yadav-centric. Analysts note limited outreach to non-Yadav castes. Observers highlight the Mahagathbandhan’s inability to present a credible alternative. Political observers say BJP’s support strengthened Nitish’s position but core achievement lay with Nitish’s governance record.
Stress voters counted real work: law and order, infrastructure, electricity, women’s empowerment.
There was disbelief over opposition promises: Tejashwi’s one-job-per-family plan, Kishor’s instant migrant return pledge. Experts note voters returned to Nitish Kumar for visible action, not speeches.
Going ahead, experts say the burden of change is now on Nitish Kumar – and what he does to address pressing issues such as urbanisation, industrial investment, and tourism.
In short, kaam, not bhashan, is the call of Bihar.
Also Read: NDA Sweeps Bihar, Consolidates Power Across Key Constituencies As Mahagatbandhan Sinks https://www.vibesofindia.com/nda-sweeps-bihar-consolidates-power-across-key-constituencies-as-mahagatbandhan-sinks/
