Overview
- The NDA crossed the 200-seat mark in the 243-member Assembly, leaving Nitish Kumar poised to continue as chief minister.
- Women recorded 71.6% turnout versus 62.8% for men, with roughly 2.52 crore women voting and exceeding male voters in absolute numbers.
- A one-time Rs 10,000 deposit to women reached accounts during the campaign alongside free electricity up to 125 units and pension hikes to Rs 1,100, which reporting links to a decisive swing.
- Campaign messaging centered on law and order, with the prime minister warning against a return to ‘jungle raj,’ while prohibition’s perceived gains in safety and household stability were cited as reinforcing female support.
- Media and analysts flagged Model Code concerns over the timing of transfers and Bihar’s fiscal capacity, as unemployment discontent persisted but anti-incumbency votes fragmented across the opposition.