WEB DESK: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling coalition is poised to maintain a strong hold on power in Bihar, one of India’s poorest yet most populous states, according to Friday’s (Nov 14) vote count. This outcome comes as a boost for the Prime Minister following challenges in last year’s national elections.
Bihar holds strategic significance as India’s third-most-populous state, home to nearly 130 million people, and plays a key role in national politics by sending the fifth-highest number of lawmakers to Parliament. Controlling the eastern state enhances a party’s influence in the Hindi heartland and shapes broader political narratives across the country.
The National Democratic Alliance led by Modi appears set to comfortably surpass the majority threshold of 122 seats, with Election Commission data indicating leads in over 170 constituencies.
“The mandate from Bihar is unmistakable!” Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party declared on X.
This victory would mark a significant turnaround for the BJP after Modi’s loss of parliamentary majority in last year’s national elections, which forced him to rely on allies to retain leadership. Since then, his party has regained momentum, clinching several critical state victories.
Looking ahead, states like Assam, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu are preparing for elections next year. Among these regions, the BJP currently holds power only in Assam.
