29

Oct

Bihar Politics: The Knock of Youth Leadership

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An Analytical Perspective on Bihar’s Political Landscape

Prof. Pradeep Mathur

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New Delhi | Wednesday | 29 October 2025

Elections in Bihar have always remained at the center of national politics. They are not merely state-level contests but indicators of the political temperature of the entire country. With 40 Lok Sabha constituencies, deep political awareness, and a conscious electorate, Bihar holds a decisive role in shaping India’s political direction.

Once again, Bihar is in the spotlight—where leaders like Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav, and Prashant Kishor are battling for control of the state’s power structure. This time, the political scene is more complex and engaging than ever. The interplay of caste equations, social justice, youth leadership, and new political experiments has once again turned Bihar into a laboratory of Indian politics.

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The NDA’s Dilemma: The Question of Leadership

The NDA alliance has once again refrained from announcing its chief ministerial candidate. The tension between the BJP and JD(U) is no secret. Although the BJP, being the larger party, has long accepted Nitish Kumar’s leadership, circumstances are changing.

With Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party entering the fray, the BJP fears a possible erosion of its upper-caste vote base—a section that has traditionally been its strength but where Kishor is gaining traction. Thus, the BJP is hesitant to either project Nitish Kumar openly or risk introducing a new face.

 

Article at a Glance
Bihar’s upcoming elections hold national significance, reflecting India’s shifting political mood. The contest features Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav, and Prashant Kishor, making it a three-way power struggle that blends caste, social justice, and youth-led politics.
The NDA faces leadership confusion, while the Mahagathbandhan projects clarity with Tejashwi as its CM face. Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party threatens the BJP’s upper-caste base, signaling new political equations. Voters are now more focused on employment, education, and development than freebies or caste loyalty.
Nitish Kumar’s long dominance appears to be fading, and youth leaders like Tejashwi, Chirag Paswan, and Mukesh Sahani are reshaping Bihar’s politics. With growing awareness, the state is moving from identity-based to issue-based politics. Bihar stands at a turning point — ready for a generational shift that could redefine India’s broader political landscape.

 

In contrast, the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) has taken a clear stance by declaring Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial candidate. This clarity lends stability to its campaign, while the NDA’s indecision raises doubts among voters.

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Prashant Kishor: From Strategist to Challenger

Prashant Kishor has emerged as one of the most intriguing figures in Bihar politics. Once the political strategist behind leaders like Narendra Modi and Mamata Banerjee, Kishor is now a contender himself.

Many dismiss him as the BJP’s “B-Team,” but the reality is far more nuanced. His support base largely comprises upper-caste and urban voters—sections long considered the BJP’s backbone. Thus, the rise of the Jan Suraaj Party poses a direct challenge to the BJP’s traditional stronghold. Kishor is neither an outright opponent nor an ally of the BJP, but his presence is certain to alter Bihar’s electoral arithmetic.

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The Politics of Freebies and the Maturity of the Voter

This time, the state government has offered direct cash transfers of up to ₹10,000 to women, while the Grand Alliance has promised one government job per family. Such populist measures have now become routine features of Indian politics.

However, voter awareness has evolved. People understand that such funds come from the state exchequer, not from any leader’s personal pocket. Increasingly, voters are evaluating parties on real issues—employment, education, and development—rather than on freebies. This shift marks a sign of a maturing democracy in Bihar.

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Social Justice vs. Caste Politics: An Endless Debate

The axis of Bihar’s politics has always been social justice, though this theme has often been entangled in accusations of casteism. Those who level such accusations are usually those who fear the empowerment of backward and Dalit communities.

During Lalu Yadav’s era, upper-caste dominance was challenged for the first time, bringing a major transformation to the state’s social fabric. While caste continues to influence Bihar’s politics, it is no longer decisive for the younger generation. Their concerns now center around unemployment, education, and equal opportunity.

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Nitish Kumar: Symbol of Stability or Fatigue?

For over two decades, Nitish Kumar has remained at the core of Bihar’s politics, having shared power with both the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan. Yet, a question echoes among the public—can he still be trusted?

Nitish remains a key player, but not the central protagonist. The BJP retains him more out of political compulsion than conviction. His repeated shifts in alliances and advancing age have created a sense of fatigue among voters. Many believe this could be his last election.

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The Rise of Young Faces: The Knock of a New Politics

This election marks a clear surge in youth leadership. Tejashwi Yadav, Chirag Paswan, Mukesh Sahani, and Nishchay Kumar represent a generational transition.

These young leaders possess energy, communication skills, and a deep connect with the masses. They also effectively mobilize opinion through social media—signaling a shift from traditional politics. The BJP currently lacks a comparable young leader, and this absence has become one of its biggest weaknesses.

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The Mallah Community and Political Arithmetic

In Bihar’s social matrix, the Mallah (fisherfolk) community has become a decisive force. With nearly 3.4 million voters, they can swing results in many constituencies. The Grand Alliance’s decision to project Mukesh Sahani as a potential Deputy Chief Minister reflects this strategy, strengthening its base among lower-caste groups.

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‘Jungle Raj’ vs. ‘Good Governance’: The End of an Old Debate

Labeling Lalu Yadav’s rule as “Jungle Raj” has long been a BJP strategy, but this narrative has lost its potency. Lalu has been out of power for two decades, and the fear of “Jungle Raj” now survives only as an electoral slogan.

Despite criticism, Lalu gave a political voice to the backward classes and integrated them into the democratic process. His popularity among rural and poor communities remains intact. Voters have now moved beyond the outdated debate of “Jungle Raj vs. Good Governance.”

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Economic Backwardness: The Real Challenge of Development

Bihar’s greatest challenge remains its weak economic foundation. The state has few industries and inadequate infrastructure, relying heavily on agriculture—an agriculture that frequently suffers from floods and droughts.

There are neither sufficient dams nor robust irrigation systems. Without agricultural stability, the rural economy cannot thrive. Experts believe that with proper flood control and river management, Bihar could witness an agricultural revolution akin to Punjab’s Green Revolution—provided there is political will and planned investment.

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The Return of the Left: Ideology Still Alive

While left-wing politics has nearly vanished from most of India, CPI(ML) continues to hold a respectable presence in Bihar. The Grand Alliance allotting around 20 seats to Left parties demonstrates that ideological politics is still alive here.

This shows that Bihar is not solely driven by caste or personality-based politics—it remains a land of ideological struggles and people’s movements.

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Actors and Popular Faces Enter Politics

This election also features several actors, singers, and artists as candidates. Some see this as the decline of politics, but a democratic view differs. In democracy, the representative is chosen by the people, not by pedigree.

If an artist or performer enjoys genuine popularity and understands social realities, their entry into politics is not unnatural. Politics is not the monopoly of intellectuals—it grows stronger through the participation of all segments of society.

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Politics and Public Connect: The Importance of Ground Experience

Politics cannot be learned from TV studios or debates alone. Only those who stay among the people truly grasp its pulse.

Rahul Gandhi’s “Bharat Jodo Yatra” and Prashant Kishor’s “Jan Suraaj Yatra” exemplify this idea—both leaders chose the path of direct engagement over theoretical politics. This approach echoes the legacy of Jayaprakash Narayan’s movement, which redefined politics through people’s participation.

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A Changing Bihar: From Caste to Issues

This election is increasingly shaping into an issue-based contest rather than one driven purely by caste equations. Questions of unemployment, migration, education, and lack of economic opportunity dominate public discourse.

Caste remains a factor, but no longer the decisive one. The younger generation identifies less with their caste and more with their aspirations and future. This mindset can guide Bihar toward a new direction—where social justice and economic development progress hand in hand.

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Conclusion: Bihar on the Threshold of Change

Bihar today stands at the threshold of transformation. The old order has reached its limits, and a new politics is knocking at the door. The upcoming transition will not merely be a change of power—it will be a generational shift.

Tejashwi Yadav appears poised for a decisive role, while Nitish Kumar’s long political journey seems to be nearing its end. The BJP faces the challenge of finding new leadership, and Prashant Kishor may emerge as a credible third force.

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The Glimpse Ahead

If the Grand Alliance secures a majority, Tejashwi Yadav will naturally become Chief Minister. Even if the NDA returns to power, Nitish Kumar’s comeback as CM appears uncertain.

Within the BJP, whispers of a leadership change are already audible. And if Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party manages to win even 20–25 seats, a lasting third front will have taken root in Bihar.

Bihar is changing—it is no longer just an arena of politics but a crucible for shaping the direction of a new India. (Veteran journalist and media Guru, Prof Pradeep Mathur is Editor-in-Chief of Media Map news network and Chairman of MBKM Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation for voluntary social work).

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