VICTORY SANS PROGRESS

WHETHER BIHAR WILL FINALLY CHART A NEW PATH REMAINS AN OPEN QUESTION-AND THE NATION IS WATCHING

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The NDA's stunning 202-seat sweep in Bihar-far above exit-poll expectations-has buoyed a shaken stock market but also revived debate on the sustainability of Bihar's economy and what this political consolidation means for the state's future. Election rhetoric centred on poverty, yet the deeper structural issues of Bihar's stagnant economy remained largely unaddressed.

The vote-seat mismatch itself is striking. Despite RJD securing the highest vote share (22.1 percent)-1.13 crore votes-it won only 27 seats. By contrast, the BJP (20.7 percent - 99 lakh votes) won 89 seats and the JD(U) (18.9 percent-95 lakh votes) secured 85, Congress got 43 lakh (6 seats), LJP-RV 25 lakh (19 seats). The crushing numbers have parallel in the last Maharashtra Assembly polls. BJP contested 189 seats. It won 132.

The spin has baffled observers and rattled an opposition that now raises questions about the Election Commission's conduct.

The unusual outcome has sparked worries about what such electoral patterns may mean for future contests, particularly for regional or smaller parties across India.