Thanks to the division in the social justice plank, the BJP-led alliance for the first time ever has gained ascendancy in Bihar. The NDA alliance won 32 out of the 40 seats that the State has in the Lok Sabha.
The BJP has pushed the two main regional parties — the RJD and the Janata Dal (United) — which held political sway for close to 25 years to the brink of survival in the State. It is the first time the BJP has assumed a leadership position in Bihar and with the help of its two new-found allies — the LJP and the RLSP — successfully offset the loss it suffered on account of its split with the JD(U).
The BJP won 22 seats while eight of its candidates ended up on the losing side. On the other hand, its allies, the LJP, and the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party have almost recorded a hundred per cent strike rate. The LJP won six out of the seven seats it contested while the RLSP won all the three it fought.
Post break-up of the alliance with JD(U), the BJP silently worked on a counter strategy which eventually paid off.
The BJP also owes it to LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan for turning the tide in favour of the NDA by bringing in his community votes.
Mr. Kumar found himself isolated and could not even avert the defeat of party president Sharad Yadav.
Notwithstanding his legal shackles, RJD chief Lalu Prasad, for the record, put up a better fight than the JD(U), retaining his previous status by winning four seats.
