Patna: The NDA achieved a landmark victory in the Bihar Assembly elections, winning 202 out of 243 seats. The BJP became the largest party in the state for the first time, securing 89 seats, while its ally JD(U) obtained 85 seats. With a remarkable strike rate of 83%, the NDA’s substantial win signifies a considerable political transformation in Bihar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s election campaign prominently addressed issues like Jungle Raj, women, and the Chhath festival. During 14 rallies held from October 24 to November 8, the PM referenced ‘Jungle Raj’ 189 times, ‘extortion’ 80 times, and ‘Katta’ 56 times. He discussed women 587 times, focusing on first-time voters and senior women, while mentioning Chhath 132 times throughout all rallies.
Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Campaign Strategy: 1. Jungle Raj and Extortion as Central Themes The PM consistently emphasized the ‘Jungle Raj’ narrative, referring to it 18 times on the first day of campaigning and 42 times on the initial phase of voting. ‘Extortion’ was mentioned 80 times during rallies, stressing concerns about law and order. 2. Women Voters a Crucial Focus Women voters significantly influenced the elections, participating 9% more than men. Modi referenced women 81 times on November 6, the day of the first voting phase, showcasing their importance. His mentions included ‘sister’ 271 times, ‘mother’ 250 times, and ‘woman’ 66 times. 3.
Chhath Festival Emphasized Chhath was referenced in 13 out of 14 rallies, averaging ten mentions per rally. In Muzaffarpur, right after the festival, he mentioned Chhath 29 times. The PM utilized the festival as a strategic element, countering opposition critiques and highlighting cultural ties. 4. Employment and Youth References Youth were referred to 144 times, and employment 60 times across the rallies, although the PM only mentioned ‘jobs’ eight times. Despite prevalent worries about unemployment, the campaign largely focused on broader themes instead of specific job commitments. 5. Opposition and Leaders Mentioned Strategically The PM highlighted RJD 318 times and Congress 314 times, reflecting a focus on critiquing the opposition.
Nitish Kumar’s name was mentioned 58 times, primarily in early rallies, with the highest count in the first rally (10 times). Military operations like Operation Sindoor and references to the army were rarely mentioned, appearing only five and six times respectively, indicating a deliberate avoidance of sensitive subjects. On November 14, after the NDA’s victory, the PM galvanized supporters by waving a ‘Gamchha,’ marking a celebratory end to the campaign. Political analysts observe that Modi’s messaging was strategically crafted, concentrating on law and order, women’s issues, and cultural festivals while steering clear of topics that could provoke questions about the opposition or divert attention from key campaign themes.
This strategy, along with effective local engagement, seems to have significantly contributed to the NDA’s decisive success in Bihar.