The buzz around the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections has already begun, and this time, the equations seem far more complex than before. While Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, leading the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), appears calm, composed, and fully prepared, the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) doesn't seem to be in such good shape.
Bihar Politics: Bihar's political landscape has once again reached an interesting juncture. Under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's leadership, the NDA is repeatedly reiterating its intention to contest the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, and there appears to be outward agreement among the ruling parties on this. However, the real challenge now seems to be emerging within the opposition camp. The recent Patna visit and statements of Lok Sabha's Opposition Leader and former Congress National President Rahul Gandhi hint at the possibility of Congress charting a "separate course," similar to 2010.
If this happens, Tejashwi Yadav will have to strategize very carefully. Based on current political activities and preparations, it's clear that the 2025 election could be the third instance since 2000 and 2010 where either a single party or multiple opposition parties might contest all Bihar seats independently.
Congress Preparing to Repeat its 2010 'Courage'?
It's no secret in Bihar's politics that Congress lacks both grassroots support and a stable vote bank. Yet, in 2010, the party contested all 243 seats independently, with highly disappointing results: winning only four seats and losing their deposits on 216.
Now, in 2025, Congress appears in a similarly aggressive posture, but this time, it's not just talk; it's taking action. The appointment of a new in-charge, the elevation of Rajesh Ram, a Dalit leader, as state president, and the increasing representation of backward castes among district presidents, indicate Congress's willingness to prove its relevance at any cost, whether it means pressuring RJD for seats or contesting all 243 seats alone.
Congress's 'Independent Strategy' Could Increase Difficulties for RJD
Tejashwi Yadav has been considered the moral leader of the Mahagathbandhan, but if Congress considers itself his equal and attempts to 'dictate' instead of 'negotiate,' it could lead to internal friction. Even in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Congress expressed dissatisfaction over several seats, but then it was just 'talk'; this time, it's undertaking 'groundwork'.
This situation might remind Tejashwi of the JD(U)-BJP alliance in 2010, where the division of votes heavily impacted the opposition. If Congress and RJD contest separately again, Nitish Kumar might stand a good chance of securing a clear majority.
'Jan Suraj' and 'Hind Sena' Will Also Make the Equation Interesting
Prashant Kishor's 'Jan Suraj Party' has already made it clear that it will field candidates for all 243 seats. Now, with Shivdeep Lande's 'Hind Sena' entering the fray, the contest has become even more interesting. Both parties are specifically targeting youth and first-time voters. It will be interesting to see whose votes these new entrants cut into—the NDA's or the opposition's.
Amidst the opposition's internal battles, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the BJP don't need to say much. They are focusing on keeping their alliance united and employing a strategy based on development work and caste equations to remain b on the electoral front.
