A day before vote counting in Bihar, posters and banners proclaiming “Tiger abhi zinda hai” (Tiger is still alive) featuring party chief Nitish Kumar appeared across the state. Written off by many and battling perceptions of poor health, Bihar’s ‘Sushasan Babu’ has demonstrated his political resilience at 74.
Stunning Turnaround
Trends show Nitish’s JD(U) leading in over 75 seats of the 101 it contested, propelling the NDA toward retaining power in Bihar.
If trends hold, this marks a stunning turnaround for JD(U), battling anti-incumbency after nearly 20 years in power. According to latest trends, JD(U) has added almost 30 seats from its 2020 tally while retaining 88 percent of its seats.
‘Big Brother’ Battle Within NDA
The results create an interesting subplot to the Bihar battle—the mantle for ‘big brother’ between BJP and JD(U). In 2020 assembly polls, BJP outscored Nitish’s party for the first time in 20 years. JD(U) contested 115 seats while BJP contested 110. JD(U)’s seat tally dipped from 71 seats in 2015 to just 43, while BJP secured 74.
However, JD(U) has demonstrated this time they are no pushovers, despite BJP negotiating equal seat sharing. The final tally will firmly settle who becomes the “big brother.”
Nitish Kumar – End of an Era
The elections are widely expected to be the last for Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister for over 19 years. It will be his record 10th term if sworn in.
Experts stated caste arithmetic and Nitish’s enduring appeal among women voters worked for JD(U), cementing Kumar’s image as a champion of all communities.
Political Journey
The master tactician who has grabbed headlines for political flip-flops, earning the moniker ‘Paltu Ram’, has come far since first taking charge in 2005. He inherited Bihar in dismal affairs from RJD, known for “jungle raaj.” With development focus and improved law and order, Kumar earned ‘Sushasan Babu’ moniker, remaining his greatest strength alongside his clean image.
Women Voters’ Support
Results show women continue as Nitish’s biggest supporters. Women voter turnout was 10 percent higher than men—74.03 percent to 64.1 percent. His recent initiative transferring ₹10,000 to women beneficiaries appears to have cemented his grip on this key bloc.
