PM Modi NDA big victory in Lok Sabha elections
The recently concluded Lok Sabha elections in Bihar have once again showcased the dominance of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the state’s political landscape. While the NDA, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], managed to secure a comfortable victory, the newly formed INDIA bloc, comprising the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and its allies, made notable gains compared to the previous elections.
The NDA’s Commanding Performance
The NDA’s success in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the “Narendra Modi factor” played a crucial role, with the Prime Minister’s popularity and appeal resonating strongly with the electorate. Additionally, the NDA’s alliance with the JD(U) and its ability to retain the support of the Extreme Backward Classes (EBCs) and Mahadalits, a significant voter base in Bihar, proved to be a winning combination.
Maintaining the NDA’s Dominance
Despite some setbacks, the NDA managed to maintain its stronghold in Bihar, winning 30 out of the 40 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP, which had won all 17 seats it contested in 2019, lost five this time around, but the JD(U) emerged as a significant player, securing 12 seats. The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) [LJP (RV)], another NDA ally, continued its winning streak by securing all five seats it contested.
Setbacks and Surprises
The election outcome, however, was not without its surprises. In a setback for the NDA, the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief and former Union minister, Upendra Kushwaha, lost his seat to the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation [CPI (ML)L] candidate, Raja Ram Singh. Additionally, the BJP’s Union minister, R.K. Singh, lost the Arrah seat to the CPI (ML)L’s Sudama Prasad.
The INDIA Bloc’s Resurgence
While the NDA maintained its dominance, the INDIA bloc, led by the RJD, managed to make significant gains compared to the 2019 elections. The RJD, which had drawn a blank in the previous polls, won four seats this time, including the prestigious Pataliputra constituency, where Lalu Prasad Yadav’s daughter, Misa Bharti, emerged victorious.
Breakthroughs and Setbacks
The INDIA bloc’s performance was marked by both breakthroughs and setbacks. The RJD and its allies, the Congress and the CPI (ML)L, dealt a blow to the NDA in the Shahabad-Magadh region, winning several seats. However, the RJD’s candidate for the Saran seat, Rohini Acharya, Lalu Prasad Yadav’s younger daughter, narrowly lost to the BJP’s Rajiv Pratap Rudy.
Emergence of the CPI (ML)L
One of the highlights of the Bihar elections was the emergence of the CPI (ML)L as a formidable force. The party’s candidates, Sudama Prasad and Raja Ram Singh, emerged as giant-killers, defeating the BJP’s R.K. Singh and the RLM’s Upendra Kushwaha, respectively.
The Significance of Nitish Kumar’s Role
The role of Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister of Bihar and the JD(U) president, cannot be overlooked in the NDA’s success. Despite rumors of his declining health and political influence, the JD(U) managed to secure 12 seats, cementing its position as a significant player in state and national politics.
Nitish’s Enduring Appeal
Nitish Kumar ability to maintain the loyalty of the EBCs and Mahadalits, a crucial voter base in Bihar, was a key factor in the NDA’s victory. The Chief Minister’s continued appeal among these communities, even in the face of the RJD’s efforts to woo them, proved to be a decisive advantage for the ruling alliance.
The Impact of Independent Candidates
The elections in Bihar also saw the emergence of independent candidates making their mark. One such example is Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, who won the Purnia seat, defeating the JD(U)’s sitting MP and the RJD’s candidate.
The Unpredictable Factor
The success of independent candidates like Rajesh Ranjan highlights the unpredictable nature of Bihar’s political landscape, where factors beyond traditional party affiliations can play a significant role in shaping the electoral outcomes.
Implications for Bihar and Beyond
The results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Bihar have far-reaching implications for the state’s political dynamics and the national political landscape.
Consolidating the NDA’s Dominance
The NDA’s victory in Bihar strengthens its position at the national level, as the alliance can now claim a stronger mandate to govern the state. This could have implications for the future of the INDIA bloc and its efforts to present a united opposition front against the ruling coalition.
Challenges for the INDIA Bloc
The INDIA bloc’s performance, while improved compared to 2019, still falls short of a decisive victory. The RJD and its allies will need to regroup and devise new strategies to make further inroads in the state, particularly in the Shahabad-Magadh region and among the EBC and Mahadalit communities.
Conclusion
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Bihar have once again demonstrated the complex and dynamic nature of the state’s politics. While the NDA’s victory has reinforced its dominance, the INDIA bloc’s resurgence and the emergence of independent candidates suggest that the political landscape in Bihar remains fluid and unpredictable. As the state and the nation prepare for the next round of elections, the lessons learned from this electoral battle will undoubtedly shape the future course of Bihar’s political journey.
