The political landscape in Bihar is rapidly intensifying as the 2025 Assembly elections approach. Accusations are flying, and parties are strategizing their campaigns. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the insults directed at his mother during an India coalition rally. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, in a strategic maneuver, has appeared to adopt a similar approach.
Historically, PM Modi has often responded to personal attacks with poise, transforming these into campaign platforms, and highlighting them in rallies to put the opposition on the defensive.
Notable instances include the 2007 Gujarat Assembly elections, where Sonia Gandhi’s ‘merchant of death’ remark backfired, and the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, marked by Mani Shankar Aiyar’s ‘chaiwala’ comment. Furthermore, Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chowkidar Chor Hai’ slogan before the 2019 elections proved detrimental.
Ahead of the Bihar elections, Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav organized a voter rights yatra, where PM Modi’s mother was targeted with abusive language during a rally in Darbhanga. The Congress and RJD distanced themselves from the incident, but PM Modi emphasized the importance of respecting mothers and lamented the incident, particularly given Bihar’s cultural traditions. He noted his mother’s lack of political involvement, yet she was targeted.
The BJP has strategically used the issue of the derogatory remarks against PM Modi’s mother in their Bihar campaign, as the opposition lacked a suitable response. Tejashwi Yadav has been working to counter this, unveiling the slogan ‘Empowered Women, Strong Women, and Safe Women.’ He also introduced a new interpretation of ‘MAA,’ defining it as Makaan, Annaaj, and Aamdani.
During a women’s dialogue, Tejashwi highlighted his commitment to implementing the MAA scheme to honor women. He aims to resonate with the significant female voter base in Bihar.
Political parties are increasingly focusing on women voters. The RJD announced the MAA scheme, while Priyanka Gandhi plans to meet with women in Patna and potentially release a women-centric election manifesto.
Simultaneously, PM Modi will be providing financial assistance to 75 lakh women under the Chief Minister’s Women Employment Scheme, distributing ₹10,000 each through DBT. This is a major financial undertaking to support a large segment of women. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will be the chief guest.
The NDA’s focus on female voters is evident through Nitish Kumar’s initiatives. Since becoming Bihar’s CM in 2005, he implemented policies like the 50% reservation for women in local bodies in 2006 and the launch of the Chief Minister’s Balika Cycle Yojana. In 2016, 35% reservation was granted to women in state jobs, and in 2018, the Chief Minister Kanya Utthan Yojana was launched, providing financial aid for female students until graduation.