In the wake of the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) landslide victory in Bihar’s 2025 Assembly elections, Bihar’s Water Resources Minister and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Vijay Kumar Choudhary, reflected on the reasons behind the decisive mandate. Choudhary, a close aide of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and a seven-time winner from the Sarairanjan constituency in Samastipur, emphasized that the election results are a testament to the people’s trust in the state’s development trajectory and Nitish Kumar’s leadership.

Faith in Governance and Leadership

“The verdict is a reflection of how people respond when they develop faith in the government,” Choudhary said, noting that the victory underscores the approval of two decades of development politics under Nitish Kumar. He added, “Above all, it is an example of Nitish Kumar’s acceptance as a leader who has no match in the eyes of the people.”

Choudhary explained that the NDA’s performance was not just about election campaigning but the cumulative impact of governance over the past five years. “Nobody expects results, but we work for it. Nitish Kumar has a vision and he works accordingly. The NDA remained cohesive, and the enthusiastic response of the people encouraged us from the outset,” he said. According to Choudhary, the opposition misread the political sentiment, interpreting popular aspirations for more development as anti-incumbency, when in reality, the voters endorsed pro-incumbency.

Campaign Symbolism and Local Significance

Nitish Kumar began his election campaign from Choudhary’s constituency, Sarairanjan, which Choudhary described as a “good omen.” The district of Samastipur holds historical significance for Bihar politics, being associated with the legacy of socialist icon Karpoori Thakur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also launched his campaign from Karpoorigram in Samastipur, reinforcing the symbolic importance of the region. Choudhary noted that this focus helped generate positive energy and momentum in his constituency and across the state.

Policy Achievements and Women-Centric Initiatives

Choudhary highlighted that the NDA government’s focus on infrastructure, social welfare, and women’s empowerment contributed significantly to the electoral outcome. He defended the ₹10,000 incentive to women under Nitish Kumar’s employment scheme, describing it as part of a broader, continuous strategy. “Having fulfilled the basic needs like roads, electricity, and water, the women were given money to become self-reliant. Earlier, incentives were provided for education, followed by job reservation and opportunities in grassroots governance,” he said.

He stressed that such welfare measures are part of long-term developmental planning rather than short-term political gains, countering opposition claims that the incentives were the primary factor behind the NDA’s success.

Nitish Kumar’s Leadership and Public Image

Questions about Nitish Kumar’s health and speculations regarding his continuance as chief minister, Choudhary noted, were largely propaganda that backfired on the opposition. “Nitish Kumar led the NDA campaign and remained focused, committed, and active, covering constituency after constituency despite bad weather and road conditions,” he said. Choudhary emphasized that Nitish Kumar’s sustained visibility, energy, and credibility played a critical role in consolidating voter confidence.

He further stated, “After 20 years as CM, he remains the only choice for the Bihar people. The NDA campaign was fully united under his leadership, and there was no dissent among the electorate regarding his position as the face of the alliance.”

Looking Ahead: Development and Responsibility

Choudhary underscored that such a decisive mandate comes with heightened responsibility. “We have to work harder now. Bihar has got its basics right, and the next phase is rapid development with proper planning and execution,” he said. He described inclusive growth as central to the government’s vision: “If Bihar grows, its people will grow, and that is what inclusive development is all about.”

In conclusion, Choudhary framed the 2025 election victory as both a validation of Nitish Kumar’s decades-long governance record and a call for continued commitment to Bihar’s development. The overwhelming mandate, he said, reflects a clear public endorsement of the policies, leadership, and vision that have transformed Bihar since 2005.