Bihar Elections 2025: JP Nadda Calls Lalu-Rabri Era ‘Dark’, Urges Support for Nitish Kumar’s Development Agenda
- MGMMTeam
- Nov 4
- 4 min read
As Bihar heads toward its crucial 2025 Assembly Elections, the political landscape of the state has once again turned into a fierce battleground. With polling set to take place in two phases — on November 6 and November 11, and results to be declared on November 14 — the state is witnessing a renewed clash between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance).
The stakes are high for all major players, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar seeking to retain his political dominance under the NDA banner, while Tejashwi Yadav, the young leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), eyes an opportunity to usher in what he calls a “new Bihar.” The contest is not merely electoral — it is symbolic of two competing narratives: stability versus change, experience versus youth, and continuity versus reform.
NDA Projects Stability and Governance
The NDA, led by Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and its powerful ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has launched a high-intensity campaign built on its governance record. Senior BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, have been actively addressing rallies across the state, showcasing Bihar’s development journey under NDA’s rule.
The alliance is focusing on law and order, women’s welfare, infrastructure projects, and rural development. The BJP has also been quick to counter opposition charges, accusing the Congress and RJD of “insulting” the culture and traditions of Bihar, particularly over controversial remarks that have hurt religious sentiments during the festive season.
In recent statements, Amit Shah reaffirmed that Nitish Kumar remains the undisputed chief ministerial face of the NDA, emphasizing that internal unity and shared governance vision would ensure another victory for the alliance. According to reports, the NDA has sealed its seat-sharing formula, with both BJP and JD(U) contesting 101 seats each, while smaller allies will fight on the remaining ones.
Mahagathbandhan Eyes a Political Revival
On the other side, the Mahagathbandhan, spearheaded by Tejashwi Yadav, is banking on anti-incumbency and youth discontent to make a strong comeback. The alliance, which includes the RJD, Congress, and Left parties, has made employment and social justice its central poll plank.
Tejashwi has positioned himself as a voice for Bihar’s unemployed youth, promising large-scale job creation and reforms in governance. His campaign speeches, often emotional and people-centric, emphasize ending migration and giving Bihar’s youth a reason to stay back in their home state. “My age may be young,” he declared at a Patna rally, “but my promise is mature.”
However, internal friction within the alliance has occasionally surfaced. Congress leaders have reportedly expressed concern over the RJD’s dominance in decision-making, hinting at coordination issues that the opposition must resolve to present a united front against the NDA’s disciplined campaign machinery.
Evolving Political Equations and Third-Front Aspirations
Beyond the two primary coalitions, a third front led by Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) has added a new twist to Bihar’s electoral equation. Kishor, a political strategist turned reformist, has been touring the state extensively, pitching a vision of clean governance and grassroots empowerment.
While JSP’s vote share may remain limited, its presence could dent traditional vote banks in select constituencies, potentially altering the margins in closely fought seats. Meanwhile, Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) continues to project itself as an independent player, maintaining an ambiguous stance toward both alliances.
Ground Realities and Campaign Intensity
The Election Commission has reported massive seizures of cash, liquor, and narcotics in the run-up to the elections, highlighting the challenges of maintaining electoral purity in Bihar’s volatile political environment. Law enforcement agencies have intensified surveillance, while political rallies have turned increasingly aggressive as voting day approaches.
Public sentiment remains deeply divided. The NDA’s promise of “vikas” (development) resonates with urban and middle-class voters, while the opposition’s calls for “nyay” (justice) and “naukri” (employment) appeal strongly to the younger generation.
In rural Bihar, caste dynamics and local issues continue to influence voter behavior. Political analysts note that the election will likely hinge on the youth vote, women’s participation, and how convincingly each alliance connects its vision to ground realities.
A Decisive Moment for Bihar’s Future
The 2025 Assembly Elections represent far more than a power struggle; they symbolize Bihar’s search for stability, opportunity, and respect. For Nitish Kumar, a victory would reaffirm his legacy as one of India’s most experienced regional leaders. For Tejashwi Yadav, success would mark the rise of a new generation, promising to break free from Bihar’s historical baggage of backwardness and migration.
Both leaders are acutely aware that Bihar’s people are yearning for tangible change — not just rhetoric. The outcome will determine whether the state continues on the NDA’s path of pragmatic governance or shifts toward the Mahagathbandhan’s promise of renewal.
The MGMM Outlook
As Bihar approaches its 2025 Assembly Elections, the political atmosphere reflects a clear contrast between two eras — the “dark age” of corruption and misgovernance under the Lalu-Rabri regime, and the years of developmental governance ushered in by the Nitish Kumar-led NDA. BJP National President JP Nadda’s remarks highlight what many in Bihar already feel — that the state cannot afford to return to a time when lawlessness, nepotism, and caste-driven politics overshadowed people’s welfare. Under Nitish Kumar’s leadership, supported by the Modi government at the Centre, Bihar has witnessed significant progress in infrastructure, education, and women’s empowerment. The NDA’s campaign is built not on empty promises but on proven governance, a vision for continued stability, and respect for Bihar’s cultural and spiritual identity, which leaders like Rahul Gandhi and the Congress have repeatedly disrespected through divisive rhetoric.
On the other hand, the Mahagathbandhan’s desperate attempt to regain relevance by exploiting youth frustration and anti-incumbency sentiment exposes its lack of direction and leadership depth. Tejashwi Yadav’s emotional appeals cannot erase the bitter memories of the “jungle raj” that still haunt millions of Biharis. While the opposition promises “nyay” and “naukri,” it offers no concrete roadmap to deliver either. Bihar’s future lies not in returning to its chaotic past but in embracing the developmental vision of the NDA — a vision rooted in stability, employment generation, empowerment of women, and respect for the state’s values. This election is not merely political; it is a test of Bihar’s resolve to continue walking the path of progress rather than slipping back into darkness.
(Sources: India TV News, Times of India, Economic Times)
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