Key Take Aways from Bihar :::: Get ready for BJP's tougher challenges in Assam and West Bengal

 The scale of the NDA's advantage is most visible in the Pataliputra belt, a region that has flipped between alliances in past elections. Of the 60 Assembly seats that fall 

---in Patliputra zone, 

--the NDA is ahead in 44, while the Mahagathbandhan is leading in 16. 

The reversal is striking, given the area's reputation as an RJD fortress.  

Early trends underlined the spread of the NDA's edge with the JD(U) leading in Amarpur and Nawada, while the BJP opening up leads in Arwal, Aurangabad, Biharsharif and Gaya Town. The RJD is ahead in Danapur -- one of the few pockets offering the alliance some early respite.  

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After Rahul Gandhi spoke about Haryana 'vote chori' on the eve of polling in Bihar; only Sickular and politically 'idiots' could have believed that the grand old party was taking the battle of Bihar seriously.

Days before the crown prince had visited Columbia and a few weeks earlier the Congress was even reluctant to consider Tejashwi Yadav the chief ministerial face.

In 2025 polls -- one thing was clear Congress would pull down 'Mahagathbandhan' and RJD-led combine.

In 2020 too, Congress had contested 70 seats and put up a poor performance winning only 19 seats. 

The NDA's victory in Bihar was not an overnight phenomenon. It was built on women-led turnout, caste consolidation, better management, a disjointed Opposition, and a leadership pitch that resonated with voters seeking continuity over uncertainty. 

The verdict reflects both societal shifts and the enduring weight of Bihar’s political memories.  

Bihar's mandate is clear!" Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party said on X. "The people have made it clear - now development is the identity. Not jungle raj, good governance is needed!"

Now all eyes for ensuing battle in two more eastern states - West Bengal and Assam

  

For Congress the fast approaching battle in Assam will be to kick-start its revival journey. This is one state where the grand old party is starting the poll battle on a confidence note as against the defensive mood in the BJP camp. 

Himanta Biswa Sarma surprisingly is now a liability for the Lotus party in more ways than one. Tribal voters likely to shun the BJP and in Upper Assam in particular; Tarun Gogoi's son Gaurav Gogoi is already almost a folk hero as an 'Ahom'. 

Congress leaders - of course - over estimate themselves' But there is a strong anti-incumbency mood against the BJP -- which had come to power in 2016.

 If Himanta is replaced - the BJP may benefit in the name and 'face of Sarbananda Sonowal' ... almost a similar pattern we saw in Bihar where Nitish Kumar's image did the magic. 

Having contested 122 seats of the 126 in 2016, the Congress could win only 26. Congress poll strategists in Assam point out that vote share was 31 per cent as against 29.5 of the BJP.

 For its part, the saffron party had contested 84 seats and could win 60.  Importantly, both the then BJP allies – Asom Gana Parishad and Bodo People’s Front had done well winning 14 and 12 seats respectively. Of 

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Chirag Paswan surprises foes and friends alike:

** Late Ram Vilas Paswan’s son Chirag had called himself Narendra Modi’s‘

Hanuman’ and he has proved Amit Shah and others in the BJP right by winning 21 seats out of 29 his party contested. Late Ram Vilas Paswan used to say : “Ab jo banega ... Chirag banega (Now whatever has to be achieved will be achieved by my son).  Chirag is just 43 and has the huge advantage and Narendra Modi’s blessings to emerge as a young star in Bihar politics.

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