Bihar Landslide Win Sets Stage for NDA's National Resurgence | India Politics
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The National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) landslide victory in Bihar's state assembly elections has sent shockwaves across the country. The NDA's impressive win, which secured over 200 seats, has reinforced the significance of cash transfer and women-oriented welfare schemes in electoral politics. This outcome has raised questions about the Congress's ability to lead and win, prompting introspection within the party and the opposition INDIA bloc. The NDA's triumph, coming on the heels of victories in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh, demonstrates the party's ability to win elections despite significant anti-incumbency. Analysts expect this trend to impact the functioning of Parliament, potentially boosting the NDA's numbers in the Rajya Sabha. In the short term, the Bihar elections will influence the winter session of Parliament, scheduled to begin on December 1. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to exhibit increased confidence in conducting legislative business, while the opposition may become more divided. The BJP's internal dynamics have been revamped, with party workers now more confident following the Bihar win. Conversely, the Congress is likely to feel demoralized. Other opposition parties, such as the Trinamool Congress and the Samajwadi Party, may start charting their own paths, rather than following the Congress line. The Congress faces a do-or-die situation in the upcoming elections, particularly in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Assam. The party may need to accept ally DMK's terms in Tamil Nadu and prepare for a repeat of 2021 in West Bengal. Analysts predict that welfare schemes will play a crucial role in these elections, as seen in the success of the BJP's cash transfer initiatives in Bihar, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. Election managers across party lines are taking note of the Bihar model, which emphasizes the importance of incorporating smart welfare schemes into election campaigns. The Congress's success in Karnataka, where it defeated the BJP with its five promises, including a cash transfer to women, is a notable example. In Jharkhand, the Hemant Soren government held onto power after promising women voters a monthly transfer of ₹1,000. Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is seeking a fourth term in 2026, has been proactively responding to the BJP's moves in Bihar. Her proactive approach has allowed her to prepare for the 2026 election, which may give her an edge over the opposition.
