With his swearing-in as Chief Minister of the NDA-led government in Bihar, Nitish Kumar has begun his tenth term cumulatively at the helm of the State. This remarkable political longevity reflects not just his personal acumen but also the JD(U)’s electoral performance, which saw the party double its previous tally to 85 seats. His success owes much to the social coalition he has painstakingly built over the years. The JD(U)’s support base among the EBCs and Dalits, augmented by substantial backing from women across these sections, has provided accretion to the support bases of the BJP and other NDA allies. This multi-caste, multi-class coalition gave the alliance a decisive social edge over the Opposition Mahagatbandhan, helping it stave off anti-incumbency. That voters have prioritised we

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