Bihar Election Results: Nitish Kumar's Unique Social Coalition Secures NDA's Landslide Victory | India News
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In Bihar, a crucial demographic has once again played a pivotal role in the state's election results. The Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs), comprising 36% of the population, have largely remained loyal to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. This unwavering support has been a key factor in the NDA's landslide victory. For many EBCs, Kumar's government has been a source of economic stability, particularly through initiatives like Jeevika Ki Rasoi, a canteen project that provides livelihood opportunities. Bulbul Devi, an EBC woman working at the canteen, credits the government's support for her family's well-being. Kumar's social engineering has been instrumental in uniting EBCs, Mahadalits, and non-Yadav OBCs, creating a formidable voting bloc. His popularity among women has also been a significant factor, with many backing him for two decades. The opposition Mahagathbandhan attempted to woo the EBCs with promises of benefits, including an 'EBC Atrocities Prevention Act' and enhanced reservation. However, these efforts failed to sway the EBCs from their loyalty to the NDA. The Grand Alliance's decision to declare Mukesh Sahani, founder of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), as its deputy chief ministerial candidate was also aimed at appealing to the EBCs. However, the strategy did not yield the desired results, with Sahani's party trailing in the polls. As the NDA celebrates its victory, it is clear that Nitish Kumar's unique social coalition has been a key factor in his success. The EBCs, who have remained loyal to the NDA despite limited economic progress, continue to hold the key to power in Bihar.
