• Source:JND
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Bihar Assembly Election Results 2025: The trend of votes counting by the Election Commission of India showed that the ruling Nitish Kumar-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is headed for a landslide win over Tejashwi Yadav's Mahagathbandhan. The trend of the results was a big blow to the Mahagathbandhan, which fought a neck-and-neck fight in the Bihar Assembly elections 2020. If the trend is converted into the results, the ruling alliance is set to win an unprecedented 200 seats in the 243-constituency assembly, while the Mahagathbandhan is standing on the brink of its biggest defeat, with a reduction to around 36 seats.

Women Voters Emerged As Decisive Factor

Experts largely attributed the landslide victory to the women voters, who favoured the National Democratic Alliance. Many said that the Nitish government's series of transformational works, including the liquor ban and financial aid (Rs 10,000) to empower women, drew female voters to the favour of ruling alliance.

Now, the question is why the Tejashwi-led coalition failed to woo women voters.

Here Are Some Tentative Reasons Why Tejashi & Co. Could Not Win Women's Trust

- Voter Turnout: Women's turnout in the 2025 Bihar elections was historically high—71.78% of women cast their votes, significantly higher than the 62.98% turnout for men. This surge went in Nitish government's favour.

- Jungle Raj Fear: In the entire election, the NDA left no stone unturned to remind people of the alleged 'jungle raj' during the Lalu Prasad Yadav-Rabri Devi Government. They highlight crime cases against women in the 1990s. The Shilpi Gautam murder case was one of them.

- Financial Support to Women: In the midst of the election campaign, Tejashwi Yadav announced a Rs 30,000 annual financial aid scheme for women in Bihar if their alliance forms the government to counter the Rs 10,000 provided to women by the Nitish government. The Grand Alliance's announcements seemed last-minute, raising questions about credibility.

- No Womon Face: For the NDA, from Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to former Union Minister Smriti Irani, several women leaders campaigned, while Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra jumped into the poll battle late. Also, traditionally, RJD, Congress VIP or other Mahagathbandhan partners did not forward women leaders to woo female voters. Tejashwi is often seen only with men workers. He did not seen engaging enough with women voters.

- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Factor: Congress's Priyanka Gandhi Vadra promised legal land rights, which would provide long-term security, but this proved less effective than "immediate benefits." Women prioritised development and stability, not promises.

- Controversial Stance On Prohibition: Prohibition is a core issue for women in Bihar, linked to domestic violence and family stability. The NDA strictly enforced it, while the Magathbandhan promised a "review" in its manifesto.

- SIR Issue: The Mahagathbandhan's focus on "vote theft" and jobs attracted young men (45% support for the Grand Alliance) but failed to connect with women.

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