Overview
- Nitish Kumar’s JD(U)-BJP alliance won 202 of 243 seats, with Kumar set to be sworn in again as chief minister.
- Female turnout reached a record 71.6%, far above the 62.8% male turnout, with constituencies having large female majorities tilting toward the NDA.
- Reports say Rs 10,000 was deposited into women’s accounts before voting under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana, with beneficiary estimates ranging from 11 million (JM Financial) to 14.1 million (Hindustan Times), and critics questioning the timing and Election Commission oversight.
- Financial firms warn Bihar’s already weak finances could worsen, citing an 8–9% fiscal deficit and an estimated 100-basis-point impact from the transfer, and expect similar tactics in 2026 contests in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
- Observers credit two decades of women-focused initiatives—bicycles and scholarships for girls, 50% panchayat reservation, and the Jeevika self-help network—with building a durable base that amplified the pre-poll payouts.