Bihar Election 2025: Survey Shows Decline for Nitish, Boost for Tejashwi
A recent C-Voter survey, aired by India Today TV, highlights shifting political winds in Bihar ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections. Once the undisputed leader, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar now lags behind in public support. Only 18% of respondents want him to return for another term. In contrast, 41% back RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as their preferred chief minister.
The survey points to a significant change in voter sentiment. Prashant Kishor, founder of Jan Suraaj, has emerged as a third-force contender with 15% of the vote. Support for BJP’s Samrat Choudhary and LJP (RV) leader Chirag Paswan stands at 8% and 4%, respectively.
While this survey does not include seat projections, an earlier C-Voter analysis suggested that the NDA, led by BJP and JD(U), could still dominate Bihar’s Lok Sabha seats. That report projected 33–35 seats for the NDA out of 40, while the Mahagathbandhan (RJD + Congress) was expected to win just 5–7 seats.
The 2020 Bihar Assembly elections set the stage for today’s dynamics. The RJD had secured 75 seats, making it the largest party. The BJP followed with 74 seats, and JD(U) trailed with 43. Yet, Nitish Kumar retained power through his alliance with the BJP. The Congress managed only 19 seats, and the LJP just one.
Nitish’s leadership has seen multiple alliance shifts between the BJP and RJD. This strategy has kept him in power but may now be wearing thin with voters. His tenure saw improvements in infrastructure and law and order, but unemployment, migration, and economic challenges continue to fuel dissatisfaction.
As elections draw near, Bihar is bracing for a high-stakes battle. The NDA still projects Nitish Kumar as its face, but shifting ground realities give the opposition a fresh chance. For voters, the coming months will shape the future of Bihar’s leadership.