Tejashwi Yadav: The mood in Bihar is swinging toward the National Democratic Alliance. Early results from the 2025 Assembly Election show the BJP-JD(U) team out in front, with the NDA making solid headway in important seats. Meanwhile, Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD isn’t living up to the hype of a Mahagathbandhan comeback—at least, not so far.
Even as the numbers roll in, Tejashwi keeps brushing off exit polls and insists that the people want change. But let’s be honest, it’s getting clearer with every round of counting that voters are sticking with what they know.
Tejashwi’s Optimism vs Ground Reality
Tejashwi was upbeat even before the votes got tallied. He called the exit polls “manufactured narratives” and seemed sure the RJD would prove everyone wrong. That hasn’t happened. Most political watchers say the RJD just didn’t have the drive it showed in 2020. The NDA, in contrast, tightened its grip, especially in rural pockets.
People close to the RJD admit they banked heavily on anti-incumbency against Nitish Kumar, hoping voters were ready for something new. But Nitish’s steady style—and Modi’s broad appeal—turned out to be too much for the opposition to overcome.
NDA’s Stronghold Expands
Right now, early numbers have the NDA ahead in over 140 seats. The Mahagathbandhan isn’t even near 80. The BJP is holding down the urban fort in places like Patna, Muzaffarpur, and Gaya, while JD(U) is clawing back influence up north.
Analysts chalk up the NDA’s advantage to smart welfare messaging, solid booth-level work, and a steady hand at a time when people want stability.
RJD’s Missteps and Strategic Gaps
As for the RJD, insiders say they leaned too hard on youth slogans and didn’t connect enough with women or first-time voters. The NDA’s “development with continuity” pitch cut through old caste barriers and hit home.
Tejashwi’s campaign was heavy on attacks against Nitish but light on real alternatives. Plus, with Lalu Prasad Yadav no longer running the show, the RJD just didn’t have the same punch.
With the NDA closing in on a majority, the real question is whether Tejashwi will really rethink his strategy—or just keep pointing fingers at the media for the loss.
