Nitish Kumar's Masterstroke: Why Bihar's Voters Hailed the NDA's Historic Victory

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New Delhi: The National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) landslide victory in Bihar is a testament to the effective governance of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the strong support from the Centre, says Janata Dal (United) working president Sanjay Jha. In an interview, Jha attributed the victory to the JD(U)'s ability to connect with voters and the lack of anti-incumbency sentiment against Kumar. Jha emphasized that Kumar's commitment to 'sushasan' (good governance) has been a key factor in the NDA's success. He pointed out that Bihar has undergone significant transformations, with women now feeling empowered to work and live without fear. The infrastructure development, including roads and power, has also been a major contributor to the state's growth. The 'double engine' support from the Centre, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has also played a crucial role in the NDA's victory. Modi's frequent visits to Bihar and announcements of big projects have helped to build a strong connection with the people. When asked about the impact of the ₹10,000 cash transfer to women beneficiaries, Jha argued that it was a genuine effort to empower women and not a mere election gimmick. He emphasized that the money has been used by women to start their own businesses and improve their lives. The BJP's decision not to field a Chief Ministerial candidate and Nitish Kumar's low profile during the campaign have raised questions about his future. However, Jha remained tight-lipped, saying that the information would be revealed in due time. Jha also praised the NDA's campaign, which he said was a well-coordinated effort with no confusion or infighting. In contrast, the Mahagathbandhan's strategy was marred by false promises and a lack of credibility, which ultimately cost them the election. The Congress's poor performance in Bihar has been attributed to their inability to connect with voters and their reliance on fake narratives. Jha also criticized Rahul Gandhi's yatra, which he said was nothing more than a publicity stunt. As the JD(U) working president, Jha acknowledged that the party has a big responsibility to fulfill the mandate given by the people. He emphasized that the party's priority will be to deliver on its promises and prepare a roadmap for the next 25 years. The Prime Minister's statement that the NDA's victory is a testament to real social justice has been endorsed by Jha, who sees it as a validation of Nitish Kumar's socialist credentials. He also praised the Prime Minister's recognition of Kumar as a living socialist leader in the same league as Ram Manohar Lohia and Karpoori Thakur.