In a decisive mandate, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has secured a resounding victory in the Bihar assembly elections. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who played a pivotal role in steering the BJP's campaign in the state, has attributed this landslide win to the people's faith in the development agenda of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the credibility of the NDA government.
A Victory For Development and Trust
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Pradhan emphasized that the victory belongs to the people of Bihar who have chosen to walk towards a future of progress. The win, he stated, is an acceptance of the NDA's track record over 20 years in the state and 11 years at the Centre. He highlighted that the philosophy of development championed by PM Modi has been wholeheartedly embraced by the electorate, leading them to repose their trust and faith in the alliance.
When asked about the key factors behind the success, Pradhan dismissed any notion of political magic. "There is no magic in democracy," he remarked, underscoring that winning the confidence of the people is the primary duty of any political activist. He firmly stated that the NDA was the most fit candidate to earn this trust from the voters of Bihar.
Implications for BJP and Future Polls
This significant victory in Bihar is expected to provide a substantial impetus to the BJP at the national level, boosting the party's confidence. Pradhan revealed that Prime Minister Modi has entrusted NDA leaders with the responsibility of replicating this success in upcoming state elections, specifically mentioning the crucial electoral battleground of West Bengal.
The minister outlined that the party must now roll up its sleeves and work diligently in all poll-bound states, including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Assam. He described the Bihar result as a major boost that will energize the party cadre for the challenges ahead.
Government Formation and Leadership Clarity
Addressing speculation about the government formation and the chief minister's post, Pradhan put all doubts to rest. He unequivocally stated that the NDA is intact and will form the government together, regardless of the individual seat numbers of its constituent parties.
He reaffirmed Nitish Kumar's position as the "tallest leader in Bihar," signaling that the JD(U) chief will continue to lead the state. Pradhan clarified that the decision on ministerial portfolios will be taken by the new government and the chief minister, adding that the election was unequivocally fought under the leadership of the "Modi-Nitish pair."
On the question of Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), which won a significant 19 out of 29 seats it contested, Pradhan indicated that the matter of its inclusion in the government would be part of the upcoming discussions. "Every NDA partner has the right to be part of the government," he stated, emphasizing that the alliance fought the elections together and would form the government together.
When questioned about the impact of Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj, Pradhan dismissed any significant influence, asserting that the contest was squarely between the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan, with the people clearly choosing the former.
Looking ahead, Pradhan identified the development of Bihar as the top priority for the new government, relying on the alliance's credibility, track record, and future plans to address the state's challenges, including issues like joblessness that were raised during the campaign.
