Patna, November 14: Nitish Kumar is poised to secure a fifth term as Chief Minister of Bihar, with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) holding a decisive lead in over 200 seats, as per the Election Commission's results. The NDA’s success is attributed to a combination of factors, including strong alliance management and significant support from women voters.

In the two-phase assembly elections on November 6 and 11, women voters outpaced men, with a record turnout of 67.13%. Women accounted for 71.6% of the votes, driven by welfare schemes such as the Rs 10,000 transferred to 21 lakh women under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana. In contrast, the opposition Mahagathbandhan struggled to connect with female voters despite declaring to offer similar programs.

The NDA also capitalized on Nitish Kumar’s clean image, contrasting it with the corruption scandals surrounding RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav

The NDA’s coalition with smaller parties like LJP, RLM, and HAMS proved effective, consolidating votes from diverse communities, including backward castes. This "social engineering" strategy, along with BJP's inclusive ticket distribution, strengthened their position.

While the opposition Mahagathbandhan, led by the RJD, failed to make significant gains, the NDA’s development-focused pitch resonated with voters. Promises of 1 crore jobs, infrastructure development, and a 'Viksit Bihar' vision helped consolidate the NDA's lead.

By 3 PM on election day, the NDA was leading in nearly 204 seats, with JD(U) in the lead for 83, BJP for 92, and smaller allies like LJP and HAMS performing well in their contested seats. In contrast, the Mahagathbandhan was struggling, with RJD leading in just 28 seats.

The NDA’s victory underscores the successful integration of development and social alliances, securing a strong mandate for Nitish Kumar’s leadership in Bihar.