How Political Currency Shaped the Outcome of Bihar Elections
The recent Bihar elections have showcased the significant impact of political currency on the outcome. The ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is set to form the government, securing leads in 166 out of 243 assembly seats. This surpasses the majority threshold of 122 seats, while the opposing INDIA bloc has been projected to lead in 56 constituencies.
Political Currency and the Role of Freebies
Pre-poll incentives emerged as a pivotal factor influencing voter decisions in Bihar. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar leveraged such strategies to mitigate anti-incumbency sentiments and criticism regarding unemployment. The results indicate that this approach was successful for his party, Janata Dal (United) or JD(U).
Major Initiatives and Financial Support
The NDA introduced several financial schemes aimed at women, including:
- Rs 10,000 cash transfers to 1.4 crore women in self-help groups.
- Increased pensions to Rs 13,200 annually.
- Elevated honorariums for about 95,000 Asha workers and 4,600 Mamta workers.
New initiatives included women-centric programs like:
- “Pink toilets” and “pink buses”.
- Mobile gyms and women’s markets.
- Support for poor girls’ marriages and e-rickshaw subsidies.
Opposition Tactics in Bihar
Meanwhile, Tejashwi Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) countered these offerings by promising Rs 30,000 annually for women’s accounts. However, the NDA had already facilitated direct cash transfers, minimizing delays and potential leakages, making their commitment more tangible to voters.
The Evolution of Revdi Culture
The rise of cash doles has become prominent across several states to maintain electoral competitiveness. Following 2024’s general election losses, the BJP positioned itself to enhance its appeal through financial plans in Haryana and Maharashtra.
Key Commitments in Haryana and Maharashtra
In the Haryana state elections, the BJP pledged:
- Rs 2,100 monthly aid for women and free bus transportation for the impoverished.
- A bonus of Rs 2,000 per acre for kharif crops.
- Employment stipends ranging from Rs 1,200 to 3,500 for job seekers.
Opposition Congress offered competitive packages, such as Rs 2,000 monthly to women and improved pensions. In Maharashtra, following a disappointing general election performance, short-term financial incentives again surfaced as key campaign strategies.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced Rs 1,500 monthly payments under the CM Ladki Bahin Yojana, with promises for incrementations depending on election outcomes. His eventual victory raised discussions about the effectiveness of such incentives in influencing voter behavior.
Amidst these developments, Rahul Gandhi accused the ruling party of manipulation, a claim dismissed by the Election Commission. Such allegations underscore the contentious atmosphere surrounding the use of political currency in elections.
Conclusion
The Bihar elections illustrate how political currency can mold voter sentiment and election outcomes. With the NDA emerging as a clear victor, the role of financial incentives is likely to be scrutinized further in upcoming elections across other states.
