'NDA resorted to various manipulations, and deployed huge amounts of money'; CPI(M) responds to defeat in Bihar elections

The NDA’s sweeping victory in the Bihar Assembly elections dealt a major blow to the RJD, Congress, CPI(M), CPI(ML), and other opposition parties. The NDA- consisting of the BJP, Janata Dal (United), and Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party- won 202 of the 243 seats. The CPI(M), which had won two seats last time, managed to win only one this time. Now, the CPI(M) Politburo has issued a statement reacting to the results.

The CPI(M) alleged that the NDA secured its victory through communal polarisation, manipulation, and massive use of money. The party said that the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and other leaders made divisive and caste-based speeches. It added that opposition parties must work with greater unity to defeat the BJP. The CPI(M) said it will examine other factors behind the election results.

The CPI(M)’s statement:
'The victory of the NDA in the Bihar legislative assembly elections is a setback for the Mahagathbandhan. The ruling coalition utilised the entire state machinery, resorted to various manipulations, and deployed huge amounts of money. It benefited from the polarising communal and casteist rhetoric of its leaders, including the Prime Minister and the Home Minister. This rhetoric, amplified by a compliant corporate media, drowned out the people’s issues raised by the Mahagathbandhan.

The Bihar elections show that to defeat the BJP, opposition parties must make a more united effort. The CPI(M) will examine in detail the other factors behind these results.

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) thanks the people of Bihar who voted for its candidates and those of the other opposition parties. It assures the people that it will continue to lead the struggles for the rights of the oppressed and the exploited.'
— CPI(M) Politburo