Why the NDA scored big in Bihar: Key factors behind Nitish Kumar’s comeback victory

From cash support for women to law-and-order messaging, here are the major reasons that may have powered the NDA’s strong performance.

1. Nitish Kumar’s ‘Rs 10,000 scheme’ that consolidated women voters

One of the biggest game-changers was the Rs 10,000 direct benefit provided to 1.3 crore women in Bihar. The assistance reached beneficiaries before the election, building a strong emotional and financial connection with women voters-reflected in the historic female turnout of over 71%.

The NDA’s message was simple and effective: “Das Hazari Chunaav Hai.”

For many women, this support outweighed the opposition’s promise of Rs 2,500 per month.

2. Modi’s ‘Katta, Dunali, Rangdari’ messaging revived jungle raj fears

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign speeches repeatedly warned of the return of “katta, dunali, rangdari”-symbols of past lawlessness associated with the RJD era.

The line “It is a Rs 10,000 election on one side, and katta sarkar on the other” hit home with many voters.

Modi’s popularity amplified this narrative, reminding voters-especially first-time young voters-of what they feared a return of jungle raj could look like.

3. Free electricity scheme that transformed rural Bihar

Another silent but powerful factor: free domestic electricity for up to 125 units.

In rural homes where bills are often unaffordable, this became a direct relief.

4. Pension increase that reconnected Nitish with senior citizens

Nitish Kumar’s decision to raise the old-age pension from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100 for 1.2 crore senior citizens created a powerful emotional impact.

For many elderly voters-many of whom see Nitish Kumar as a peer-this reaffirmed their trust in him as a stable, caring leader despite concerns about his age or health.

5. Alcohol ban still helps NDA among women

Despite ongoing challenges with illegal liquor, the alcohol ban remains extremely popular with women.

Many feel it has: reduced domestic violence, saved household income and improved peace at home.

For women voters, this might be one of the strongest pro-NDA reasons.

6. Voter list controversy mobilised women instead of deterring them

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls saw the gender ratio drop from 907 to 892 women per 1,000 men, with over 5.7 lakh women reportedly removed.

The opposition dubbed it “vote chori.”

But instead of lowering turnout, it looks like it has motivated more women to check their names and vote, leading to higher participation-most of which tilted toward the NDA.

7. 1.80 lakh Jeevika Didis boosted voter awareness

The Election Commission deployed 1.80 lakh Jeevika Didis to help with voter registration and booth information. Their presence made voting easier for women and first-time voters, indirectly benefiting the NDA, which had strong support among these groups.

8. Opposition’s tactical mistake

Initially, the Mahagathbandhan was gaining traction by highlighting alleged lawlessness under the NDA, especially after the murder of industrialist Gopal Khemka.

But the Congress’s pivot to the SIR voter list issue diluted the momentum.

By voting day, issues like “vote chori” had faded from voter conversations, while Modi’s law-and-order messaging continued to resonate.

In 2020, JD(U) had its worst performance since 2005. This time, contesting fewer seats, the party improved its strike rate-proving Nitish’s relevance and popularity remain intact.

The slogan “25 se 30, Phir Nitish” symbolised his political continuity and helped reinforce the idea that he is still the undisputed architect of Bihar’s governance model.