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Modi’s Alliance Poised for a Strong Comeback in Bihar, Rekindling Influence Across the Hindi Belt
Modi’s ruling alliance is set for a decisive victory in Bihar, strengthening its position across the Hindi belt after last year’s national setbacks. Strong support from women voters and recent welfare transfers appear to have played a key role.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling alliance appears set to comfortably retain power in Bihar, according to Friday’s vote count—offering a significant boost after its disappointing performance in last year’s national elections.
Securing Bihar is crucial. Home to nearly 130 million people, it is India’s third-most populous state and sends the fifth-largest contingent of lawmakers to Parliament. Control over this eastern state reinforces a party’s influence across the Hindi heartland and often shapes national political narratives.
According to Election Commission figures, Modi’s National Democratic Alliance is well on track to surpass the 122-seat majority mark and is leading in more than 170 constituencies. NDTV reported leads in 191 seats—an estimated gain of 69 seats from the previous election.
“The mandate from Bihar is decisive!” Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party wrote on X. “The public has made it clear—development defines governance. No more jungle raj; people want good administration.”
The Bihar outcome represents a dramatic turnaround for Modi, who lost his parliamentary majority in last year’s general election and has since relied on coalition partners to remain in power. Since then, the BJP has steadily regained ground, winning several key state elections.
Political analysts say a major factor in Bihar was Modi’s decision to transfer ₹75 billion (USD 853 million) to millions of women in the state through an employment-linked program launched in September.
Over the past decade, women have voted in growing numbers across India, prompting political parties to intensify efforts to win their support. Not long ago, male turnout regularly surpassed female participation.
Amitabh Tewari, a political analyst who traveled across Bihar during the two-phase election on November 6 and 11, said that “it was the women alone” who appeared determined to give Modi a stronger mandate than last time.
A VoteVybe survey conducted this week found that the NDA secured 48.5% of the women’s vote—ten percentage points higher than that of the main opposition.
States such as Assam, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu head to the polls next year; among them, the BJP is currently in power only in Assam.
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