The credit for record voting in Bihar elections goes to ‘Jeevika Didi’ network, which is the decisive vote bank of 1.35 crore women. Both NDA and Grand Alliance are trying to woo them, due to which their attitude will decide the outcome of the elections.
The record 64.66% voting recorded in the first phase of Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 has created a stir in the politics of the state. This is not just a number, but a proof of tremendous voter participation, which has forced even political pundits to think. The question is what is the secret of this huge turnout, and what is it indicating? Change or return of good governance? Now the center of political analysis has become not the ranks of men but the ranks of women. The most decisive factor in this entire electoral mathematics has emerged as the ‘Jeevika Didi’ network.
Jeevika Didi: An organized force
Jeevika Didi, operated under the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Project, is now not just a member of the Self-Help Group (SHG), but is also a leader of social and political awareness in every village.
- Strength in Numbers: More than 1.35 crore women are associated with this network, leading more than 10 lakh active SHG groups.
- Area of influence: On an average, a Jeevika Didi has the ability to influence 8 to 10 votes through her family, neighborhood and group.
- Voting Catalyst: The organized leadership of Jeevika Didis is believed to be the main reason due to which the queues of women in villages appeared longer than those of men, which led to a record jump in the total voting percentage.
Election stakes: affection vs promise
Understanding the importance of Jeevika Didis, both the major alliances NDA and Grand Alliance (MGB) have taken big steps to woo this class. The outcome of the election will largely depend on which camp Didi trusts.
An assistance amount of ₹10,000 has already been given to 1.41 crore women under the Women Employment Scheme by NDA. Promise to give amount to remaining beneficiaries by December. Additional assistance up to ₹2 lakh for group formation and employment. This is considered a vote based on past trust and gratitude. Nitish Kumar presents himself as the originator of Jeevika Didis.
The Grand Alliance has promised ‘salary’ and ‘permanent employment’. Jeevika Didis get a salary of ₹30,000 per month, permanent job, ₹2,000 honorarium for additional work, interest waiver on loans and insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakh. It is based on providing future economic security and the status of a government employee. This promise shows that the Grand Alliance wants to break this organized vote bank.
Who will be the decider: experience or ambition?
NDA believes that women have expressed their gratitude towards good governance, security and the financial assistance (₹ 10,000) received earlier. If so, then this record voting will go in favor of NDA. The Grand Alliance believes that this record breaking turnout is a wave of change. Women are no longer satisfied with just ₹10,000 assistance, but have come to vote with bigger economic aspirations like permanent employment and a monthly salary of ₹30,000.