BJP's wins in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi have shifted focus to Bihar, sparking discussions about their potential impact on the upcoming elections.
As preparations for Bihar’s assembly elections later this year gain speed, the state now presents the BJP with its biggest challenge since its Delhi victory. The party aims to help the NDA retain power and win more than 200 seats in the 243-member assembly.
The victories have given a boost to the BJP and the NDA, which, after facing some challenges, has found unity under the leadership of Nitish Kumar. The Bihar elections are due in October-November, but some NDA leaders think the elections may be held earlier.
Rajeev Ranjan, JD(U) national spokesperson, said, “The victories will definitely raise the morale of alliance partners in Bihar, showing voters that the NDA is strong, united, and ready to win 225 seats under the leadership of PM Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.”
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The NDA, learning from mistakes made in 2020, has been working together closely. Party leaders have been holding joint meetings in districts to boost worker morale and unify efforts toward the goal of winning 225 seats. JD(U) state president Umesh Singh Kushwaha emphasised unity at all levels of the organization and the importance of overcoming family-based political forces.
Kushwaha added, “There is no alternative to PM Modi in the country and CM Nitish Kumar in Bihar. The Delhi victory reflects the people’s trust in PM Modi.”
Talks have already begun about how the Delhi win might affect seat-sharing and the Chief Minister position in Bihar. However, Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha dismissed any issues, stating, “PM Modi believes in ‘Sab ka saath, sab ka samman,’ and there will be no problems with seat-sharing.” He also criticized the opposition RJD, saying they are making false promises similar to those of AAP leader Kejriwal.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has promised financial support for women and various welfare schemes, including free electricity and pensions for the elderly, disabled, and widows.
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Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi, buoyed by the Delhi victory, expressed confidence that the NDA would form the government in Bihar as well. He tweeted, "Delhi is just a glimpse, Bihar is yet to come. Jai NDA."
The RJD, however, believes that the Delhi results won’t affect their chances in Bihar. RJD leader Abdul Bari Siddiqui said, “The people of Bihar are smart. They will not be misled by BJP.”
Experts agree that while the Delhi win is a morale booster for the NDA, its impact on Bihar will be limited. D.M. Diwakar, former director of A.N. Sinha Institute of Social Studies, said, “People have short memories. In Delhi, the middle class responded to the budget announcements, but the middle class in Bihar is smaller, so this victory won’t have a lasting impact.”
However, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing several projects for Bihar, the NDA could gain momentum as the state heads toward elections.
Also Read: Bihar achieves major milestone in job creation with 6837 recruits
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