Bihar assembly elections 2025: 5 key reasons behind Tejashwi Yadav’s setback

As the Bihar Assembly Election 2025 results unfold, the Mahagathbandhan has suffered a major setback, with Tejashwi Yadav and the RJD facing significant losses. Tejashwi is trailing in his own constituency, signalling a decisive rejection by voters.

Political analysts cite several reasons for the unexpected outcome:

1. Excessive allocation of tickets to Yadav candidates

A key factor behind RJD’s poor performance is the party’s decision to field 52 Yadav candidates, representing 36% of its total nominees. This move reinforced RJD’s caste-centric image, alienating non-Yadav voters, including upper castes and other backward classes. BJP’s campaign capitalised on this, emphasising the narrative of RJD’s Yadav Raj. Analysts suggest that a limit of 30-35 Yadav candidates could have secured broader support from other backward caste groups, similar to strategies seen in Uttar Pradesh in 2024.

2. Neglect of alliance partners

Tejashwi Yadav’s approach also reportedly marginalised his alliance partners, including Congress and Left parties. Disputes over seat-sharing and a strong RJD-centric campaign weakened cohesion within the Mahagathbandhan. While Congress emphasised its guaranteed manifesto, RJD focused on promises of jobs, leaving partners sidelined. The alliance manifesto was branded as the Tejashwi Plan, further overshadowing allies. Campaign visibility also reflected this imbalance, with Rahul Gandhi’s posters receiving less prominence compared to Tejashwi’s.

3. Lack of a concrete blueprint for promises

Another major criticism has been the absence of detailed implementation plans for key promises, including government jobs and pensions. Voters repeatedly asked for a clear roadmap, but no comprehensive blueprint was provided by the conclusion of the elections, resulting in growing distrust among the electorate.

4. Perceived ‘pro-Muslim’ image

The Mahagathbandhan’s perceived pro-Muslim stance reportedly hurt RJD’s broader appeal. Reduced support was observed even among Yadav voters, particularly after Tejashwi indicated that the Waqf Bill would not be implemented if elected. BJP highlighted Lalu Prasad Yadav’s opposition to the bill, using it to consolidate votes.

5. Ambiguity over Lalu Prasad’s legacy

Tejashwi appeared conflicted in balancing his father Lalu Prasad Yadav’s social justice legacy with concerns over the Jungle Raj image. Campaign materials reflected this ambiguity, with Lalu’s images minimised. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted this issue, accusing Tejashwi of sidelining Lalu’s image, a claim that resonated with some sections of the electorate.