Will JDU's Maheshwar Hazari Secure Victory in Kalyanpur 2025?

The Bihar Assembly election results indicate a significant victory for the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] in Kalyanpur (SC), with candidate Maheshwar Hazari winning decisively against CPI(ML)(L) candidate Ranjeet Kumar Ram. Hazari garnered 118,162 votes, defeating Ram by a margin of 38,586 votes, while the Jan Suraaj Party's Ram Balak Paswan trailed in third with 16,574 votes. Overall, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) shows strong leads across the state, reinforcing its dominant position.

Last updated: 29 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Bihar Assembly election results have painted a clear picture of political dynamics in the state, with JD(U) candidate Maheshwar Hazari's victory in Kalyanpur (SC) symbolising the party's resilience. With the NDA's lead in over 200 of the 243 assembly seats, this election marks a substantial achievement for the ruling coalition, suggesting a consolidation of power amidst various challenges faced by opposition parties. The results are likely to reshape the political landscape as the NDA prepares to form the government once again.

Key takeaways

Maheshwar Hazari of JD(U) won Kalyanpur (SC) with 118,162 votes.
Hazari defeated Ranjeet Kumar Ram of CPI(ML)(L) by 38,586 votes.
BJP-led NDA is projected to secure over 200 assembly seats.
Congress performed poorly, leading in only two of the 61 contested seats.

Timeline: how we got here

The Bihar Assembly elections have unfolded over a series of key events leading up to the results announced on 28 October 2023. Here’s a brief timeline of significant milestones:

1 September 2023: Election Commission announces the schedule for the Bihar Assembly elections.
28 October 2023: Counting of votes takes place, and results are declared.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The immediate results reveal that JD(U) and NDA have successfully maintained a strong foothold in Bihar, with Hazari’s victory in Kalyanpur (SC) serving as a highlight. The election results also confirm significant losses for Congress, which struggled to gain traction against the NDA coalition.

What was already established

Prior to the election, the political climate in Bihar suggested a competitive landscape, with the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan aiming to challenge the NDA's dominance. However, the results indicate that the NDA’s strategic alliances and campaign efforts have resonated well with voters.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the Bihar election results primarily concern Indian politics, the implications of a stable government can have indirect effects on UK citizens engaged in business or trade with India. A strong and stable government may foster a favourable investment environment.

Businesses and jobs

For UK businesses, especially those with interests in India, a decisive NDA government may lead to consistent policy implementation and economic reforms, potentially offering new opportunities for collaboration and investment in sectors like technology, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Policy and regulation

The results could influence bilateral relations between the UK and India, particularly in areas like trade agreements and climate commitments. Observers will watch closely for any shifts in policy that might emerge from the strengthened NDA government.

Numbers that matter

118,162 votes: Total votes secured by Maheshwar Hazari (JD(U)).
79,576 votes: Total votes for Ranjeet Kumar Ram (CPI(ML)(L)), indicating a significant gap.
38,586 votes: Margin by which Hazari won, showcasing a strong mandate.
200+ seats: Projected number of seats won by the NDA, suggesting a comfortable majority.
2 seats: Number of seats Congress is leading in, a stark contrast to previous standings.

Definitions and jargon buster

JD(U): Janata Dal (United), a major political party in Bihar.
CPI(ML)(L): Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (Liberation), a leftist political party.
NDA: National Democratic Alliance, a coalition of centre-right political parties in India, led by the BJP.
Mahagathbandhan: Grand Alliance, a coalition of opposition parties in Bihar.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the coming weeks, the NDA is expected to formalise its government formation, with discussions around cabinet appointments and policy priorities. Observers will be keen to see how the new government addresses pressing issues such as unemployment and economic recovery.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Within the next few months, the NDA government may implement new policies aimed at boosting economic growth and addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic. The government's approach to governance and its ability to deliver on promises will be closely scrutinised.

Signals to watch

Cabinet announcements and policy reforms in early November 2023.
Public reactions and support levels for the NDA government as it embarks on its agenda.
Any upcoming legislative changes that may affect economic conditions in Bihar.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about policy changes from the new government.
Engage with local representatives to voice concerns and suggestions.
Monitor economic indicators that may affect businesses and livelihoods.

Don’t

Assume that previous challenges faced by the NDA are resolved without action.
Neglect to engage in community discussions about local governance issues.
Dismiss the significance of political stability in economic decision-making.

Checklist

Review how the election results may impact your business or interests in Bihar.
Prepare for potential changes in trade policies between the UK and India.
Engage with local organisations that monitor political developments.
Stay updated on public sentiment regarding the new government.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the election results indicate a strong mandate for the NDA, the political landscape can be unpredictable. Factors such as social unrest, economic challenges, and opposition movements could influence the government's effectiveness. Additionally, the performance of Congress and its potential backlash should not be underestimated as they regroup and strategise for future elections.

Bottom line

The Bihar Assembly election results reflect a decisive victory for the JD(U) and the NDA, reaffirming their position in the state's political framework. For UK stakeholders, understanding these dynamics is crucial, as they may shape future economic relations and investment opportunities. Monitoring developments in Bihar will be essential for navigating the evolving landscape.

FAQs

What was the margin of victory in Kalyanpur (SC)?

Maheshwar Hazari won by a margin of 38,586 votes over Ranjeet Kumar Ram in the Kalyanpur (SC) Assembly seat.

How many seats did BJP-led NDA win in Bihar?

The BJP-led NDA is projected to secure more than 200 seats in the Bihar Assembly elections.

What does this election mean for Congress?

The results represent a significant setback for Congress, which is only leading in two of the 61 seats it contested.