The opposition's earlier dominance was driven largely by the CPI(ML)'s organisational strength and caste footprint in a region shaped by Naxal influence and caste conflict through the 1990s. The party's deep roots among backward communities - including its leaders from Kushwaha and Baniya groups and cadre networks of over 10,000 in many constituencies - helped keep a segment of EBC and SC voters aligned with the alliance despite the NDA's welfare outreach.