The election, its messagesThe emphatic mandate for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Bihar Assembly elections 2025 signals a public preference for administrative stability. Yet, it should not be construed as an unqualified endorsement of the government’s overall performance. The notably high participation of women, youth, and Economically Backward Extremely Backward Class voters suggests that welfare delivery and targeted schemes shaped the outcome. But these groups also have the sharpest expectations for improvements in employment opportunities, public safety and essential services. At the same time, the Opposition’s continued reliance on narrow caste alignments limited its ability to present a convincing developmental alternative, thereby constraining the quality of electoral choice available to citizens.This verdict is less an ideological victory and more a pragmatic selection by voters for whoever appears better positioned to deliver immediate gains.Devanshi Sawai,ChandigarhThe value of education, reason and enlightenment in politics has taken a back seat. It is painful to have an author and professor lose the Bihar election, while a misogynist with a tainted record becomes the “representative of the people”. Many may say that politics runs on oratory, street-smartness and political cunning. This is a dangerous excuse. True political skill should never be confused with muscle power, money power, caste mobilisation or crude theatrics.Real skill must be measured by vision – the ability to steer a nation toward justice, progress, and inclusive development.When a society starts mocking its scholars and celebrating strongmen who thrive on hatred and intimidation, it has begun its descent.Dr. Javaid,KashmirPublished - November 18, 2025 12:24 am IST