Bihar Mandate Speaks Loud and Clear, Opponents Choose Denial Over Reality

Paromita Das

New Delhi, 15th  November: The Bihar Assembly elections of 2025 have carved a bold new chapter in Bharatiya politics, delivering a mandate that resonates far beyond the state’s borders. The resounding victory of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is a striking affirmation of governance, organizational strength, and evolving voter aspirations. Yet, amid this democratic exercise, the reaction of the opposition has been steeped in denial, deflecting from the reality etched by millions of voters. This article unpacks the electoral outcome, the reasons behind the NDA’s dominance, and the implications of opposition responses on Bharat’s democratic fabric.

Bihar’s 2025 Verdict: A Clear Mandate for Stability and Progress

The NDA’s overwhelming triumph in Bihar, with 202 out of 243 assembly seats, stands as a testament to the electorate’s endorsement of a governance agenda focused on development and stability. This result far exceeded pre-poll projections, which had anticipated around 150 seats, and significantly improved on the NDA’s 2020 haul of 122 seats. Led chiefly by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party, the alliance consolidated its position through a strategic combination of policy delivery, grassroots mobilization, and effective coalition management.

This fifth consecutive victory underlines a clear preference among Bihar voters for consistent governance over political uncertainty. Promises translated into tangible achievements—improvements in rural infrastructure, social welfare schemes, and public service delivery—have evidently shaped voter sentiment. The NDA’s campaign effectively addressed the core concerns of its electorate, offering a refreshing alternative to fractured opposition politics.

The Opposition’s Unraveling: Denial and Distracted Narratives

Contrasting sharply with the NDA’s clarity and confidence, the opposition’s response oscillated between denial, conspiracy theories, and victimhood politics. The Mahagathbandhan (MGB), comprising parties such as Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and Left factions, was decisively humbled, securing only 36 seats combined. Congress itself was reduced to a mere six seats, while RJD could muster just 25. Equally telling was the failure of the high-profile Jan Suraaj movement led by strategist Prashant Kishor—once touted as a game-changer but unable to make an electoral dent.

Instead of acknowledging this setback with introspection, opposition leaders resorted to familiar practices of discrediting democratic processes. Allegations of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) tampering and claims against the impartiality of the Election Commission became the preferred narrative, despite a glaring lack of evidence. Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, among others, accused the system of bias, painting a picture of democracy under siege—an ironic stance given their electoral repudiation by the electorate.

Such tactics reflect a deeper inability to engage constructively with voters’ evolving priorities. Instead of grappling with governance shortcomings and fragmented messaging, the opposition’s focus on conspiracies undermines their credibility and stalls meaningful political renewal.

Sorting Fact from Fiction: The Fairness of Bihar’s Polls

Amid the swirling accusations, it is crucial to highlight the integrity and transparency of the 2025 Bihar elections. The electoral rolls underwent Special Intensive Revision (SIR), a process unanimously accepted by all contesting parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). No formal complaints regarding voter list manipulations emerged during or after polling. The Supreme Court dismissed petitions alleging vote rigging, affirming institutional checks.

Scholars from Indian Institutes of Management have independently validated the rationale behind cleaning up bloated voter lists, emphasizing the necessity of curbing bogus and duplicate entries. The opposition’s allegations appear less as genuine electoral concerns and more as strategic attempts to mask weaknesses within their vote base.

Why Bihar Chose NDA: Beyond Political Rhetoric

Several interwoven factors explain the electorate’s decisive tilt toward the NDA. Foremost is governance—voters rewarded sustained efforts to improve rural livelihoods, enhance infrastructure, and deliver social services. This commitment to development fostered hope and stability.

Additionally, a pronounced anti-RJD sentiment influenced many voters, reflecting memories of the so-called “Jungle Raj” era of lawlessness and caste-driven politics. This historical perspective remains a powerful influence, nudging voters toward a political alternative promising order and progress.

Record voter turnout, especially from rural constituencies, signals an engaged electorate prioritizing governance over identity-based politics. The NDA’s robust organizational machinery also contributed significantly, efficiently mobilizing voters while countering the fragmented and ineffective opposition.

Embracing Reality Strengthens Democracy

The Bihar election results offer a compelling narrative: Bharatiya voters are increasingly discerning, seeking substantive governance over empty slogans and divisive agendas. The NDA’s win is a clear message that development and stability resonate more than ever with Bharat’s democratic society.

The opposition’s choice to reject this verdict with baseless allegations is a disservice to democratic maturity. Democracy thrives not only on free and fair polls but also on the acceptance of outcomes—even when unfavorable. Constructive opposition needs to reflect on leadership gaps, renew strategies, and reconnect with the electorate’s aspirations. Retreating into victimhood and conspiracy only erodes democratic norms and weakens political discourse.

Listening to Bihar, Listening to Democracy

Bihar’s 2025 Assembly elections reaffirm the power of people’s mandate in shaping Bharat’s political landscape. The NDA’s commanding victory underscores voters’ trust in governance that delivers and politics that stabilizes. The opposition’s retreat into denial and defamation is an alarm bell for Bharatiya democracy, highlighting the necessity for political maturity and accountability.

For democracy to flourish, all stakeholders must honor the electorate’s choice, engage in meaningful self-reflection, and work toward offering viable alternatives grounded in development and inclusiveness. Bihar has spoken loud and clear; it is time for political actors across Bharat to listen, learn, and lead with responsibility.