Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Women Voters Emerge as Decisive Force in Bihar Elections
In Bihar, more women are voting than ever before, and their votes might decide who wins the upcoming elections.
For a few years now, more women have been going to the polls than men, with a big gap of over 7% in the first round of voting.
This is because the government has started many programs that help women, like giving them money for jobs or free food, and improving safety.
Because of these programs, the ruling party has won many times when more women voted than men.
This year, it looks like women voters are leaning towards the ruling party again, especially young women.
Even though there are more men voters overall, the way women are voting in larger numbers is changing the politics of Bihar.
Women's voter turnout in Bihar's first election phase was 69.04%, significantly higher than men's at 61.56%.
The trend of women outvoting men has been consistent for the last three elections, with a widening gap attributed to improved law and order and women-centric welfare schemes.
The ruling NDA, particularly the JD(U), has historically benefited from higher women's turnout, winning a majority of seats where women outvoted men.
Surveys suggest the NDA leads among young female voters, while the Mahagathbandhan holds an edge among young male voters.
Factors like the 'Mahila Rozgar Yojana' and the Rs 10,000 deposit scheme are seen as crucial in mobilizing women voters, creating a potentially caste-neutral vote bank.
- Who
- Women voters in Bihar
- What
- Emerging as a decisive voting bloc due to increased turnout and support for welfare schemes, potentially influencing the election outcome.
- When
- During the Bihar assembly polls, with trends observed over the last three elections and particularly in the first phase of the current elections.
- Where
- Bihar
- Why
- Due to improved law and order, effective women-centric welfare schemes (like Mahila Rozgar Yojana, free rations, Rs 10,000 deposit), increased political awareness, and men migrating for work.
Mahagathbandhan
NDA (JDU)
Support Among Male Voters
Mahagathbandhan
The Mahagathbandhan is expected to get 41% of the male votes.
NDA (JDU)
The NDA may get 34% of the male votes.
Support Among Female Voters
Mahagathbandhan
The Mahagathbandhan may get 34% of the female vote.
NDA (JDU)
The NDA enjoys a lead of 14% among young female voters and is expected to bag 48% of the female vote.
Impact of Welfare Schemes
Mahagathbandhan
The Mahagathbandhan is expected to benefit from general dissatisfaction.
NDA (JDU)
The NDA, particularly the JDU, has significantly benefited from women-centric schemes like the Mahila Rozgar Yojana, free rations, and the Rs 10,000 deposit, leading to increased female voter turnout and support.
- Overall Voter Turnout (First Phase)
- 65.08%
- Female Turnout (First Phase)
- 69.04%
- Male Turnout (First Phase)
- 61.56%
- Gap Between Female and Male Turnout
- 7.5 percentage points
- Women's Share of Votes (2020)
- 49.62%
- JDU's Strike Rate in Seats with Higher Female Turnout
- 70-90%
Sources
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