Bihar's assembly election results are set to be announced soon, with the NDA expressing confidence based on favorable exit poll predictions. The ruling coalition is relying on three main strengths: improved social arithmetic with the inclusion of smaller allies, welfare schemes targeting women voters, and the enduring appeal of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, popularly called the dashazari scheme, promises eligible women entrepreneurs an initial amount along with further financial support. Women voters have participated in larger numbers than men, giving the NDA hope. If victorious, Nitish Kumar, who first became Chief Minister in October 2005, would take oath for a record 10th time. The election outcome is expected to reflect the social and political goodwill Kumar has built over two decades of governance in Bihar.
Key Factors Behind NDA's Election Strategy
The NDA entered the election with a calculated advantage in social arithmetic. The return of Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party and Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha strengthened the coalition, as these allies had collectively secured over 7% votes previously. In contrast, the Mahagathbandhan added smaller parties like Mukesh Sahani's Vikassheel Insaan Party, which had only 1.5% vote share in 2020. Women voters became central to the campaign, particularly through welfare schemes. The government announced 125 MW of free power to crore consumers and increased social security pensions from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100 monthly. The dashazari scheme offering Rs 10,000 initially and Rs 2 lakh later to 1.5 crore women entrepreneurs through self-help groups aimed to counter the opposition's promises and consolidate female voter support effectively.
Source: Link