The recently concluded Bihar assembly elections have delivered a decisive victory for the National Democratic Alliance, prompting serious introspection within the opposition Mahagathbandhan. According to Rashtriya Janata Dal national spokesperson Subodh Kumar Mehta, writing on November 15, 2025, the defeat stems from multiple factors that require careful examination.
Understanding the NDA Victory Narrative
Mehta acknowledges that the NDA's success was built upon what he describes as the "jungle raj" sentiment, a narrative the opposition alliance failed to effectively counter. He contends that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaign in Bihar focused more on retaining power than presenting a genuine development agenda. Despite Bihar lagging on various developmental parameters according to Niti Aayog reports, voters ultimately chose to return Nitish Kumar to power alongside the BJP's brand of politics.
The timing of certain government announcements raised eyebrows within the opposition camp. Mehta specifically points to the Rs 10,000 financial assistance for women announced merely 20 days before elections, characterizing it as part of Kumar's appeasement policy rather than genuine welfare governance.
Electoral Process and Alliance Dynamics
A significant concern raised involves the conduct of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls perilously close to the election date. Mehta suggests that the majority of voter deletions appeared to affect those who would likely have supported the Mahagathbandhan, creating what he perceives as an uneven playing field.
Regarding alliance management, Mehta defends the seat-sharing arrangement that saw the Congress contest 50-60 seats, noting that as a national party, this was a natural allocation. He emphasizes that when competing as a team, respecting all partners is essential. However, he admits that votes from smaller allies like the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) led by Mukesh Sahani and the Indian Inclusive Party (IIP) didn't adequately transfer to the Mahagathbandhan, particularly among Extremely Backward Caste (EBC) communities.
Post-Election Reflection and Future Outlook
The spokesperson concedes that the alliance may have been too preoccupied with legal challenges against the electoral roll revision to ensure proper coordination and vote transfer mechanisms at the ground level. This lack of synchronization among allies emerges as a critical factor in the electoral outcome.
Despite the setback, Mehta maintains a forward-looking perspective, asserting that in politics, every day presents new opportunities. He confirms that the RJD will conduct thorough introspection of the election results and aims to re-emerge stronger. The party remains committed to its strategy of building secular alliances across states, even while refraining from contesting in regions where other alliance partners have stronger presence.
Ultimately, while acknowledging the defeat, the Mahagathbandhan appears determined to learn from this experience and rebuild its political strategy for future electoral battles in Bihar and beyond.
