How BJP Secured a Brilliant Win in Bihar Elections?

The Bihar Assembly elections held in October-November 2020 were a crucial test for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies in the state. After a bitter contest, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) emerged victorious, with the BJP securing a significant number of seats. In this article, we will analyze the factors that contributed to the BJP’s brilliant win in Bihar.

Understanding the Electoral Landscape

Bihar, with a population of over 120 million, is one of the most populous states in India. The state has a complex electoral landscape, with multiple caste and community groups playing a crucial role in shaping the outcome of elections. The BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had been working to strengthen its base in the state by undertaking various developmental initiatives and social welfare programs.

Key Factors Behind BJP’s Success

Several factors contributed to the BJP’s success in the Bihar elections. Some of the key reasons include:

1. Modi Factor: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity continued to be a significant factor in the BJP’s success. The party’s campaign was centered around Modi’s leadership, and the party’s candidates were able to leverage his image to mobilize support among voters.
2. Developmental Agenda: The BJP’s campaign focused on its developmental agenda, highlighting the party’s achievements in infrastructure development, healthcare, and education. The party’s emphasis on development resonated with voters, particularly among the youth and the middle class.
3. Caste Politics: The BJP was able to make inroads into traditionally non-BJP voting blocs, particularly among the non-Yadav OBCs and the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs). The party’s strategy of fielding candidates from these communities helped to attract support from these groups.
4. Effective Alliance Management: The BJP’s alliance with other NDA partners, including the Jan Sena (Loktantrik) and the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), helped to consolidate the anti-RJD vote. The alliance partners worked together effectively, and their combined efforts contributed to the NDA’s success.
5. Campaign Strategy: The BJP’s campaign strategy, which included extensive use of social media, door-to-door campaigning, and public meetings, helped to reach out to voters across the state. The party’s campaign was well-organized, and its candidates were able to connect with voters effectively.

Key Issues that Influenced the Election Outcome

Several issues played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the Bihar elections. Some of the key issues include:

1. Corruption and Governance: Corruption and governance were major issues in the election, with voters expressing dissatisfaction with the incumbent RJD-led government’s performance.
2. Development and Infrastructure: Voters were looking for a government that could deliver development and infrastructure, and the BJP’s emphasis on these issues resonated with them.
3. Law and Order: Law and order was another significant issue, with voters expressing concerns about crime and safety in the state.
4. Caste and Community: Caste and community remained important factors in the election, with parties trying to mobilize support along these lines.

BJP’s Seat-Sharing Strategy

The BJP’s seat-sharing strategy was a crucial factor in its success. The party negotiated a seat-sharing arrangement with its allies, which allowed it to contest a significant number of seats. The BJP contested 110 seats, while its allies, including the Jan Sena (Loktantrik) and the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), contested the remaining seats.

Performance of BJP and its Allies

The NDA performed well in the election, securing a total of 125 seats. The BJP emerged as the single largest party, winning 74 seats. Its allies, including the Jan Sena (Loktantrik) and the HAM, also performed well, winning 16 and 4 seats, respectively.

Conclusion

The BJP’s success in the Bihar elections was the result of a combination of factors, including the Modi factor, a developmental agenda, effective alliance management, and a well-organized campaign strategy. The party’s ability to connect with voters across the state, particularly among the youth and the middle class, was a significant factor in its success. The BJP’s performance in Bihar has significant implications for the party’s prospects in other states, and it is likely to boost the party’s morale ahead of other key elections in the country.