• By Kamakshi Bishnoi
  • Tue, 16 Sep 2025 05:05 PM (IST)
  • Source:Jagran News Network
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The role of women in Bihar’s politics is steadily expanding, with political parties increasingly entrusting them with key responsibilities and giving them tickets to contest elections. This growing presence is reflected in the Legislative Assembly, where the active participation of women MLAs has inspired more women to step forward in politics.

Political analysts note that under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s administration, women have received greater opportunities across various sectors, which in turn has strengthened their representation in the political sphere, from the Assembly to Parliament. 

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Over the past two decades, women’s participation in the legislature has witnessed a sharp rise, and experts believe their numbers will further increase in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.

The first Bihar Assembly election in 1952 saw a remarkable start, with 25 out of 46 women candidates winning seats. However, the numbers fluctuated in subsequent years. 

In 1957, 30 women became MLAs, while in 1962, 25 women secured seats. The numbers declined thereafter, with only 6 women winning in 1967, 4 in 1969, and none in 1972, despite 45 candidates contesting.

The 1977 elections marked a revival, with 13 out of 96 women emerging victorious. According to Election Commission data, 11 women won in 1980, 15 in 1985, 10 in 1990 (out of 147 candidates), and 11 in 1995 (out of 263). In 2000, only 19 women were elected from 189 candidates.

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The 2005 elections, held twice, produced mixed outcomes: 25 winners out of 138 candidates in February, but only 3 winners out of 234 in October. In 2010, women’s representation peaked, with 34 out of 307 candidates securing seats. In 2015, 28 women were elected, while in the 2020 polls, 26 women won from a record 370 candidates.

Across 17 Assembly elections held since independence, a total of 285 women have been elected to the Bihar Legislative Assembly.

Number of female MLAs from 1952 to 2020:

1952 25
1957 30
1962 25
1967 6
1969 4
1972 0
1977 13
1980 11
1985 15
1990 10
1995 11
2000 19
2005 (February) 3
2005 (October) 25
2010 34
2015 28
2020 26