Women have become a decisive force in the politics of Bihar. Empowered by government schemes and numbering 3.72 crore, they are influencing election results. Their role will be even more important in the 2025 elections.
The influence of women in Bihar politics is no longer limited to only a limited platform. With the 2025 assembly elections approaching, it has become clear that women are not only taking part in voting in large numbers, but are also decisively influencing the strategies of political parties and the election results.
Women-centric initiatives of Nitish government
Since coming to power in 2005, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has started many schemes for the empowerment and participation of women. These include 35 percent reservation in government jobs, 50 percent reservation in Panchayati Raj institutions, and financial assistance of Rs 10,000 each for Jeevika Didis. Apart from this, many initiatives like Mahila Udyami Yojana, Girl Dress Scheme, Cycle Scheme, Bus Service for Women, and special relaxation in ration card, land and house registration have been implemented to make the lives of women easier.
According to government data, the total number of women voters in Bihar in 2024 was approximately 3 crore 57 lakh 71 thousand 306. Within a year this figure increased to 3 crore 72 lakh 57 thousand 477, that is, about 15 lakh new women voters have been added in just one year. Of these, more than one crore women are Jeevika Didis.
decisive power of women
This increasing activism of women is not limited to numbers only. In the 2020 assembly elections, voting of women was more than that of men in 167 out of 243 seats. North Bihar was especially active in this matter. In Katihar, women’s voting was more than 70% in 11 seats like Pranpur, Motihari, Dhaka, Nirmali, Chhatapur, Sikti, Thakurganj, Kishanganj, Kochadhaman, Vaisi and Kasba. This is a clear indication that women are playing a decisive role in political decisions.
Female candidates and success
Women voters are not limited to just voting. Political parties also expressed confidence in women candidates. Many women candidates from different parties emerged victorious in 2020. 9 women won on BJP ticket. 7 women candidates of RJD were victorious. 6 women candidates of JDU were successful in entering the assembly. Overall, 15 women candidates from NDA made it to the Assembly, which is proof that the role of women candidates is increasing.
Women voters and election results
Women voters are not limited to just voting; Their impact is also visible on the election results. In 2020, the NDA won 90 seats, of which the BJP won 55 seats and JDU won 37 seats in areas where the percentage of women voting was high.
Experts say that women are rising above caste and social pressure and choosing the candidate of their choice. These are called ‘silent voters’, because this vote only affects the results but is less publicized in the media.
Role of women in 2025 elections
The role of women in the Bihar Assembly elections in 2025 is going to be more decisive than before. Political parties are now preparing their strategies keeping in mind the number of women voters and their activism.
Experts say that women voters are not limited to only NDA or Grand Alliance. She is paying attention to the candidates of each party and their local issues. This time, due to the increasing participation of women voters in Bihar, there may be a big change in the election results.
The increasing power of women in Bihar politics clearly indicates that now it can be costly for any party to ignore women voters. Government schemes, increasing number of women candidates and active voting of women prove that women voters are going to play a decisive role in the 2025 assembly elections.