“Modi’s Greatest Asset Is Rahul”: Inside Congress’ Downfall and the Modi–Shah Dominance

The discussion begins with why the Congress and the Mahagathbandhan failed to convert public anger on unemployment into votes. Yashwant Deshmukh explains that this election was shaped by a unique factor: women voters. According to C-Voter’s post-poll study, women voted in record numbers and chose Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the NDA because of long-term trust, welfare schemes, and a sense of safety. He also highlights that even Muslim women shifted in notable numbers towards the NDA.

The experts agree that while unemployment was the biggest concern for both men and women, the Mahagathbandhan could not expand its voter base beyond Yadav and Muslim communities. Meanwhile, the NDA succeeded in creating a broad social coalition boosted by women across castes.

The panel also discusses why Vote Chori, the Congress’s central campaign theme, completely failed. Only 3–4% voters saw it as important. They argue the Congress leadership misread ground sentiment, lacked organisation, and focused too much on Rahul Gandhi instead of strengthening the party structure.

Prashant Kishor’s drop in popularity is also analysed. Experts say he raised the right issues but weakened his credibility by not contesting elections.

Conclusion (as per Barkha Dutt)
Ms. Dutt ends by noting that Bihar has sent a clear political message: women voters are now the strongest force in elections, and any party that ignores real issues—especially jobs—risks long-term damage.