'This time it's Bihar's turn': BJP eyes next big win after Delhi victory

PM Modi

After a remarkable victory in the Delhi Assembly polls, the BJP is readying itself for Bihar, where the elections are expected in October-November. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is gearing up to register a decisive mandate in the 243-member assembly. The NDA is looking to capitalize on its recent momentum.

A key NDA ally and Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi of Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) described the Delhi election as a preview of what is to expect in Bihar. "Dilli toh jhanki hai, Bihar abhi baaki hai... Jai NDA (Delhi is just a glimpse, Bihar is yet to come. Jai NDA)”, Manjhi tweeted. Expressing similar views, senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday declared that after historic victories in Haryana and Delhi, it’s now time for it to win in Bihar.

Prasad expressed confidence that Bihar would be next in line for a BJP victory."This time it is Bihar's turn. Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav are silent. The people are rejecting their lies and are embracing Modi Ji’s governance," he added.

BJP’s recent victory in three states -- Haryana, Maharashtra and Delhi -- has shifted the onus on Bihar with talks already staring in political circles and common people on its likely impact in Bihar.

The upcoming Bihar elections will be a crucial test for the NDA, which benefited significantly from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's return to the alliance ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The NDA had secured 30 out of 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, boosting its confidence ahead of the state elections. BJP leaders believe that the Delhi win, combined with the impact of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s budget announcements for Bihar, will help the NDA maintain its stronghold.

As preparations for the upcoming assembly elections due later this year gathers steam, the Bihar elections present the BJP with its most significant challenge since its triumph in Delhi. Will it give a boost to NDA’s quest to retain power in Bihar and win more than 200 seats, which it has set an eye on.

Earlier this month, the Union government had introduced several key initiatives for Bihar in the FY26 Budget, including a new makhana board, a greenfield airport, and financial aid for the Western Koshi Canal Project in the Mithilanchal region. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also revealed plans to expand infrastructure at IIT Patna and set up a National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management in Bihar.