Bihar Polls: How Opposition's Unity Fizzled Amid Infighting and NDA's Cohesive Campaign

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A promising start to the Bihar polls seemed to be unfolding for the Opposition's Grand Alliance, with Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav drawing massive crowds during a joint yatra. However, their camaraderie was short-lived as the alliance was hit by infighting, delayed seat-share deal announcements, and public disagreements. The Grand Alliance's lack of cohesion ultimately led to its downfall, while the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) capitalised on the situation with a well-coordinated campaign. The NDA, led by Nitish Kumar, presented a united front despite initial hiccups, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi repeatedly targeted the RJD's governance record. The NDA successfully framed the election as a referendum on 'Jungle Raj,' and its efforts to create tens of thousands of jobs, particularly for women, further eroded the RJD's chances. This outcome marks the third consecutive state election after the 2024 general elections where the Opposition's campaign has faltered. In Haryana and Maharashtra, the Opposition's promising starts were also marred by internal conflicts and a failure to address local issues. The people have made it clear that they are not swayed by generic Lok Sabha campaign pitches and expect Opposition parties to present a more nuanced and issue-based approach. The Bihar polls have exposed the Opposition's inability to put its house in order and present a unified front. As the general elections approach, the Grand Alliance must take a hard look at its strategy and learn from its mistakes if it hopes to regain the trust of the people.