What the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has achieved in Bihar is nothing short of spectacular. In a political landscape where anti-incumbency often decides the tempo and tenor of elections, the NDA has scripted a landslide victory that few had predicted with confidence. When the state recorded a high voter turnout, many analysts rushed to conclude that the figure reflected a deep anti-incumbency mood. However, the results show that voters trooped to polling booths in large numbers to ensure that the Nitish Kumar-led government returned to power. In other words, it was a positive vote—an emphatic endorsement of the NDA.

Predictably, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress have sought refuge in complaints about the Election Commission’s role. They can continue to harp on the all

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