A mandate too clear to misread

What the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has achieved in Bihar is nothing short of spectacular. In a political landscape where anti-incumbency often decides the tempo and tenor of elections, the NDA has scripted a landslide victory that few had predicted with confidence. When the state recorded a high voter turnout, many analysts rushed to conclude that the figure reflected a deep anti-incumbency mood. However, the results show that voters trooped to polling booths in large numbers to ensure that the Nitish Kumar-led government returned to power. In other words, it was a positive vote—an emphatic endorsement of the NDA.

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Predictably, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress have sought refuge in complaints about the Election Commission’ role, They can continue to harp on the alleged lapses, but these grievances do not explain the scale of their defeat. A party or alliance does not get trounced so comprehensively because of perceived administrative biases alone. It loses because the voters have stopped believing in its promises and leadership. If there is one demographic segment responsible for the NDAs resounding victory, it is the women voters. Once again, they turned out in larger numbers than men. A decade ago, his bicycle scheme for girl students reshaped their mobility and educational aspirations. This time, the Rs 10,000 assistance for one woman per family tilted the scales decisively. Critics might deride this as a dole, but voters did not. In the excitement of securing tangible benefits, many even overlooked the embarrassing collapse of multiple bridges before completion. Even unemployed youth and other vulnerable groups also received financial support through various schemes.