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Bihar's 2025 Assembly Elections: JD(U) Balancing BJP and Social Justice

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. tions-jd-u-balancing-bjp-and-social-justice.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 11:48 GMT by ThePrint

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Bihar’s Political Landscape on the Eve of the 2025 Assembly Elections: A Broad View of State‑wide Twists

The 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly elections are fast approaching, and while the headlines focus on the “next government” that will form in the 90‑seat state, a deeper examination of the region’s political dynamics reveals a mosaic of alliances, rivalries, and strategic recalibrations. The article on ThePrint offers a panoramic view of Bihar’s political arena and draws parallels with the evolving political narratives in other Indian states, painting a vivid picture of how regional “twists and turns” influence the final electoral outcome.

1. The Core Players: JD(U), RJD, BJP, and Their Respective Inner Workings

Janata Dal (United) – The “Aam Aadmi” of Bihar?

JD(U) has long been a centrist force in Bihar politics, but its recent trajectory is marked by an uneasy partnership with the BJP at the national level and internal pressure from its own cadre. The party’s current chief, Tejashwi Yadav, has faced accusations of prioritizing “political stability” over grassroots activism. Meanwhile, the party’s senior leadership—such as Nitish Kumar (who remains the Chief Minister), and his wife, Rabri Devi—continue to grapple with dissent over the party’s stance on development versus social welfare.

The article stresses that JD(U) is on a “political tightrope” as it must balance the BJP’s larger agenda (like the “Modi wave”) with the electorate’s appetite for social justice, especially among marginalized communities. The leadership is reportedly exploring a pre‑election “grand alliance” with the RJD to counter the BJP’s influence.

Rashtriya Janata Dal – A Party of Rebellion?

The RJD, under the leadership of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s eldest son Tejashwi Yadav (distinct from JD(U)’s Tejashwi), has seen a resurgence. However, it faces a dual challenge: internal dissent over leadership succession (Lalu vs. Tejashwi) and the perception that it is “too much” of a “regional identity” party. The article notes a strategic push from the RJD to forge alliances with independent legislators, focusing on a “people‑first” narrative that is resonating in the rural heartland.

Bharatiya Janata Party – The ‘Anchor’ or the ‘Anchor’s Anchor?

The BJP’s strategy in Bihar is nuanced. While the national party sees the state as a key battleground for the “Modi wave”, it is also cognizant of the “regional politics” that could override a national narrative. The BJP is courting “political stability” by offering to support a JD(U)–BJP coalition in return for policy concessions. Yet, the party is also wary of alienating its base if it appears to be compromising on its core ideology.

2. The “State‑Wide Twists”: How Other States Influence Bihar’s Electoral Calculus

West Bengal’s “Trinamool‑BJP” Struggles

The article draws an interesting parallel with West Bengal, where the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is battling an internal backlash over the “Sanjay Dutt” connection and the “Gandhi” legacy. This situation mirrors Bihar’s own concerns about “political legitimacy” within the ruling coalition. The TMC’s attempt to “reset” its brand by aligning with the BJP—an arrangement that has largely failed—offers a cautionary tale for Bihar.

Uttar Pradesh’s “Chirag Pratap” Phenomenon

In Uttar Pradesh, the rise of “Chirag Pratap” in the RJD’s narrative highlights a growing desire for “political renewal” among the electorate. The article notes that this movement is not confined to UP; Bihar’s electorate also displays a similar appetite for change. The rise of “chatter” in the political discourse across UP and Bihar highlights the importance of a “politically literate” electorate.

Tamil Nadu’s “All‑India Congress” Resurgence

Tamil Nadu’s politics, dominated by the DMK, provides an intriguing example of how “regional parties” can still hold a seat at the national table. The article references how the DMK’s success—despite being a regional party—shows that aligning with the “national agenda” can still yield “political dividends.” For Bihar, this means that forging a strong coalition could yield electoral success.

3. The “Tactics” That Will Decisively Shape the Election

1. Alliance Building & Party‑Specific Strategies

   The article emphasizes that the “political calculus” in Bihar hinges on whether JD(U) can secure a credible partnership with the RJD. This is seen as a potential “counterbalance” to the BJP’s national narrative. Conversely, the BJP’s willingness to support a coalition that includes the RJD is also discussed as a strategic move.

2. Narrative and Messaging

   In Bihar, the “people’s story” has been central to electoral politics. The article suggests that parties that can frame the narrative around “poverty alleviation” and “social justice” are likely to gain traction. The BJP’s “development narrative” also seeks to be tailored to the state’s unique socio‑economic context.

3. Targeting Voter Demographics

   The article highlights how the parties have identified specific voter blocks (e.g., Dalits, Yadavs, and other backward classes) as “vital segments.” Each party’s strategy will revolve around building a “coalition” of these groups.

4. Handling Internal Dissensions

   Whether the RJD will overcome the “Lalu vs. Tejashwi” conflict, or the JD(U) will control dissent from “Babu Prasad” or “Mohan Kumar,” will significantly affect the election.

5. External Influences

   The article notes that “political trends” from other states can trickle into Bihar. For example, the “Bharat Bandhan” movement in UP or the “Sena‑Congress” alliance in Maharashtra can influence voter sentiment.

4. Key Take‑aways for the Voter and Political Analyst

• Coalition is the Key: Bihar’s political fortunes are intricately tied to a viable coalition that blends national strength (BJP) with regional resonance (JD(U), RJD).

• Internal Stability is Imperative: A party’s ability to manage internal differences is a decisive factor. The RJD’s succession battle, JD(U)’s leadership debate, and BJP’s “policy concessions” will all play pivotal roles.

• Narrative Wins: A “people‑first” narrative that addresses development and social justice will be essential for any party that seeks electoral success.

• Parallel Trends: Bihar’s political story cannot be seen in isolation. The article underlines how politics in West Bengal, UP, and Tamil Nadu can provide both cautionary and inspirational signals.

• Election is Not a Standalone Event: The electoral outcome in Bihar is intertwined with broader “regional dynamics” and national aspirations. This interplay will shape the final governance narrative.

Conclusion

The ThePrint article is a comprehensive primer on the political dynamics that are likely to shape Bihar’s next government. By weaving together the state’s internal party politics, coalition possibilities, and comparative references to other states’ political twists, the article offers a nuanced forecast. It underscores that while individual leadership, ideology, and campaigning strategies matter, the “broader coalition architecture”—coupled with the ability to resonate with a diverse electorate—will ultimately decide the 2025 election’s outcome. For anyone following the Bihar elections, this article provides a valuable roadmap of the forces at play and the probable turning points that could determine which party will finally hold the reins of power.