How women powered the NDA's clean sweep in Bihar

A cash dole of Rs 10,000 to women, allegedly from money meant for some other government project, is said to have powered the NDA clean sweep in Bihar. Sources say passing this benefit to women voters, "outside the official system," played a more crucial role in the victory.

- VIBHA SHARMA

Basically, the Rs 10,000 strategy complemented Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's reputation for women-centric policymaking, scripting the historic outcome in a state where the BJP had previously played runner-up. The fact is, in a closely contested election like the 2025 Bihar elections, both sides retained their original vote share, more or less.

The majority of NDA gains came from "others" ~ Independents and smaller parties, and those voting for them, particularly women, opted for the saffron side. According to the data, the RJD received 23 per cent vote share, surpassing not only its allies but also both major NDA constituents-BJP and JD-U.