Patna: Women have become a significant force in the Bihar Assembly elections, demonstrating their strength not only at polling stations but also within the Assembly. A total of 28 women candidates achieved notable victories, indicating that the female demographic, which participated in the elections with remarkable enthusiasm, is now prepared to take on leadership roles. Their increasing representation signifies a major milestone for Bihar, where women voters have consistently shown strong political awareness in recent times. Many of the newly elected women MLAs have established distinguished careers prior to entering politics, gaining recognition in fields such as sports, music, medicine, and social service. This represents one of the strongest incoming groups of women leaders Bihar has ever witnessed.
The list includes Commonwealth Games gold medallist shooter Shreyasi Singh, renowned folk singer Maithili Thakur, dentist and first-time candidate Dr. Karishma Rai, and former Deputy Chief Minister Renu Devi, known for her extensive public service. Their varied backgrounds enhance the diversity and depth of the Assembly, and their presence is anticipated to amplify women’s voices on critical issues. Several of these women won by considerable margins, defeating strong opponents decisively. Dr. Karishma Rai, granddaughter of former Chief Minister Daroga Prasad Rai, won the Parsa seat by over 25,000 votes against JDU’s Chhote Lal Rai. Deepa Kumari, daughter-in-law of former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, secured victory from Imamganj by a similar margin against RJD’s Ritu Priya Chaudhary.
Shreyasi Singh marked one of the largest victories of the election by defeating RJD candidate Mohammad Shamshad Alam in Jamui by 54,498 votes. BJP’s Maithili Thakur also achieved a strong win from Alinagar, overcoming Vinod Mishra by more than 11,000 votes. Former Deputy CM Renu Devi won Bettiah for the fourth time, reaffirming her popularity. Other notable wins include Leshi Singh from Dhamdaha, Chhoti Kumari from Chhapra, Shalini Mishra from Kesaria, Shweta Gupta from Sheohar, Anita Devi from Warisaliganj, Snehlata from Sasaram, and Ashwamegh Devi from Samastipur. Many of these women triumphed over candidates supported by influential political parties and prominent public figures.
Their success underscores the increasing confidence of voters in women leaders and the recognition that women are fully capable of guiding policy and public welfare. This wave of victories also emphasizes the rising involvement of women in politics, even though many parties still fail to offer sufficient candidacies for women. The NDA fielded 34 female candidates—13 each from JDU and BJP, 5 from LJP, 2 from HAM, and 1 from RLMO. The Grand Alliance presented 11 women from the RJD, 5 from Congress, and one each from VIP and CPI-ML. Despite these limited opportunities, women candidates transformed their prospects into significant victories that cannot be disregarded.
With 28 women now entering the Assembly, Bihar is entering a new era in which female representation is not merely symbolic but impactful, and where women’s issues are set to gain heightened attention.