As the political battle heats up in Bihar, women voters have emerged as a decisive force — yet their representation on the ballot tells a different story. Despite being at the centre of welfare schemes and campaign pledges, only 258 women candidates are contesting the 2025 Assembly elections, compared to 2,357 male candidates.
With just 15 days left for polling, all major parties — including the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Mahagathbandhan — are ramping up outreach to women, who make up nearly half of the state’s electorate.
NDA Bets Big on Women-Centric Schemes
The NDA, led by the state government, has rolled out multiple initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment. Recently, ₹10,000 was transferred to the bank accounts of 1.25 crore women under the Chief Minister’s Women Employment Scheme.
Additionally, women have been granted 35% reservation in police recruitment and 50% reservation in panchayats and local bodies, ensuring a stronger role in local governance. The government has also promoted low-interest loans for Jeevika Didis, increased allowances for ASHA and Mamata workers, and provided priority in employment schemes, all to consolidate its support base among women voters.
Mahagathbandhan’s Promises to Women
The opposition Mahagathbandhan, on the other hand, has gone all out to appeal to women with promises of job regularisation and direct financial support. Its election manifesto, the ‘Tejashwi Pran’, pledges to make all Jeevika women permanent government employees with a monthly salary of ₹30,000.
It also promises the “Mai-Bahin Maan Yojana,” under which every woman would receive ₹2,500 per month for five years, starting December 1 if the alliance comes to power.
‘Winnability’ Trumps Gender Representation
When questioned about the low number of women candidates, most parties cite the same reason — “winnability.”
According to official data:
- BJP: 13 women candidates
- Congress: 5
- JD(U): 13
- RJD: 23
- Jan Suraaj: 25
- BSP: 26 (highest among all parties)
In the last Assembly election, 26 women MLAs were elected from 370 contestants — a 7% success rate, compared to 10% for male candidates.
Trends Show Decline in Women’s Representation
Data from previous elections reflects a steady decline in women’s political participation across most parties.
- JD(U) peaked in 2020 with 22 women candidates but saw a drop in 2025.
- RJD has shown gradual growth — from 9 women candidates in 2015 to 23 this year.
- Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party made an impressive debut by fielding 25 women candidates.
- BJP has maintained a near-constant count over the past three elections.
- CPI-ML witnessed a sharp decline after 2015, while Congress continues on a downward slope.
Success Rates Tell Another Story
In the 2020 elections, BJP women candidates had a remarkable 69% success rate (9 out of 13 won). RJD followed with 44%, Congress 29%, and JD(U) 27%.
Despite such performances, this year’s figures mark the lowest female representation in Bihar’s Assembly elections in the past 15 years, raising questions about political commitment to gender inclusivity.