NEW DELHI: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) achieved a significant victory in the Bihar assembly elections, winning 202 out of 243 seats. A key factor in this success was the remarkable participation of women voters, who outnumbered men in 130 constituencies. The NDA secured 114 of these seats, translating to an impressive 88% win rate in areas with higher female turnout.

The government’s initiative to transfer Rs 10,000 to women under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana played a crucial role in mobilising female voters. Since its launch in late September, over 1.41 crore women have benefited from this scheme. This direct cash transfer is seen as a significant incentive, mirroring similar initiatives in other states but offering a higher amount in Bihar.

Women’s voter turnout reached a record 71.6%, the highest since 1962. In the first phase of voting, 69.04% of women participated, compared to 61.56% of men. The second phase saw 74.03% of women and 64.1% of men casting their votes. This trend of women outvoting men has been consistent since 2010, with women’s participation surpassing men’s in four elections.

In the 130 constituencies where women outnumbered men, the Janata Dal (United) won 48 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claimed 44. Other NDA allies, including the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha, secured 11, 4, and 2 seats, respectively. In contrast, the opposition coalition, Mahagatbandhan, managed only 16 seats, with Congress winning 4 and the Rashtriya Janata Dal 11.

The special intensive revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar, despite facing opposition from Congress, also influenced the election results. The NDA won four out of five seats with the highest and lowest deletions of electors during this exercise. Notably, BJP won three of the five seats with the highest net deletions, while JDU won in Thakurganj, where 90% of women voted.

Overall, the elections concluded with a voter turnout of 66.91%, the highest since 1951. The increase in women voters, with 2.51 crore participating compared to 2.47 crore men, highlights a growing trend in Bihar's electoral landscape. This election marks a significant shift, showcasing the power of women voters in shaping political outcomes in the state.