The recent assembly election in Bihar has delivered a decisive mandate, one that not only redefines the state's political landscape but also signals a fundamental shift away from its troubled past. This outcome is more than a mere re-victory for the NDA; it represents a definitive break from an era that cast a long, dark shadow over Bihar for decades. Once synonymous with electoral violence, reruns, and chaos, the state has now proven its embrace of a new political culture through a calm, stable, and remarkably smooth democratic exercise. Bihar has not just chosen a government; it has unequivocally reaffirmed its faith in the politics of trust, development, and respect. For decades, Bihar's political memory has been scarred by the grim reality of electoral violence and anarchy under successive Congress and RJD governments. The 1985 elections saw 63 fatalities and 156 polling stations requiring re-polling. By 1990, the situation worsened, claiming 87 lives. In 1995, the chaos was such that the Election Commission was forced to postpone the Bihar elections four times. Even in 2005, widespread irregularities led to re-polling at 660 centers. These events ingrained the perception that elections in Bihar were not a celebration of democracy but a formidable challenge.
However, the 2025 elections have shattered this narrative, ushering in a new era of peaceful democratic processes. This time, there was no reported violence across the state, nor was a single polling station subjected to re-polling. This is the very sushasan that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has championed for years, and the administrative stability established through the joint efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. A notable aspect of this election was the palpable impact of Prime Minister Modi's rallies. In constituencies where he addressed public gatherings, voter turnout was consistently higher, translating into decisive support for the NDA. His campaign, which began on October 24th in Samastipur, saw a 71.74% turnout there, followed by 69.87% in Begusarai the same day. Subsequent rallies in Muzaffarpur and Chhapra on October 30th resulted in 71.81% and 63.86% turnout, respectively. Even after his events in Nawada, Arrah, and a roadshow in Patna on November 2nd, turnouts were 57.86%, 59.90%, and 59.02%. The influence continued on November 3rd in Katihar and Saharsa, registering 79.10% and 69.38% respectively. Similarly, Bhagalpur saw 67.75% and Araria 70.62%, while Bhabua and Aurangabad, also sites of Modi's rallies, recorded 68.57% and 65.47%. These figures underscore the Prime Minister's unique ability to galvanize democratic participation and motivate voters. The strong backing received by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from rural communities and farmers stands out as another defining characteristic of this election. As India's third most populous state, with approximately 89% of its residents living in rural areas (second only to Himachal Pradesh in rural population percentage), Bihar's mandate serves as a critical indicator of rural India's trust in Prime Minister Modi's leadership. The direct benefits of various schemes implemented by the Modi government have reached deep into rural society, fueling an even stronger wave of support for the NDA in villages.
This election also made it clear that Bihar's populace voted for self-respect and dignity. Opposition leaders repeatedly made disparaging remarks about Bihar's culture. Rahul Gandhi, for instance, reportedly mocked Chhath Puja as a "drama," deeply offending Bihari sensibilities. In stark contrast, Prime Minister Modi has actively worked towards including Chhath Puja in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, aiming for global recognition of this cherished tradition. The opposition's decision to invite leaders like Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin, former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, all known for past controversial statements, further inflamed public sentiment. The election results unmistakably show that Bihar voted to protect its honor and pride, delivering a robust mandate. The outcome further illustrates Bihar's unwavering allegiance to Prime Minister Modi across five consecutive elections. From the Lok Sabha elections of 2014, 2019, and 2024 to the Assembly elections of 2020 and 2025, the people of Bihar have consistently shown their support. This is not merely political alignment but a testament to the deep-seated bond of trust and development that has formed between Prime Minister Modi and the state.
This mandate also sends a clear message to Congress and its allies. On Pandit Nehru's birth anniversary, celebrated as Children's Day, Rahul Gandhi effectively presented the Congress with its 95th electoral defeat. Slogans like Chowkidar Chor Hai and Vote Chor Gaddi Chhod are now openly acknowledged by senior Congress leaders and supporters as detrimental to the party. The public perceives these slogans as negative politics, which paradoxically strengthens their emotional connection with Prime Minister Modi. In the recent Lok Sabha elections, where the BJP fell slightly short of an anticipated majority, there was a widespread sentiment among supporters that their perceived lapse had restricted Prime Minister Modi to 240 seats. This feeling galvanized voters to ensure no such shortcoming would recur, a determination evident in Maharashtra and Haryana, and now emphatically reinforced by Bihar's historic mandate. Bihar's latest mandate symbolizes the state's progressive outlook, democratic maturity, and newfound confidence. This election is not just a testament to good governance but a beacon of a new political culture where the politics of violence has been resoundingly rejected in favor of development, stability, and respect. Bihar has unequivocally declared that it will not revert to its past. It has been demonstrated that trustworthy leadership and clear policies consistently guide the populace in the right direction. This election has once again proven that Bihar stands firmly with the leadership it trusts most: that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The writer is a National Media Penalist BJP, Renowned Doctor & Founder Member of Hindu Shree Foundation
Views expressed are personal