The women of Bihar have emerged as a powerful voting bloc, consistently outnumbering men at the polls in recent elections. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, women’s turnout reached 59.45% compared to men’s 53%. This trend continues as Bihar approaches its 2025 Assembly elections, with prohibition policy becoming a central issue that could determine electoral outcomes.
How has women’s voter turnout changed in Bihar elections?
Women’s participation in Bihar elections has shown remarkable growth. In the 2020 Assembly elections, women outnumbered men voters for the third consecutive time. The turnout increased consistently across all three phases – women voted 5% more than men in the first phase, 6% in the second, and an impressive 11% in the third phase.
This pattern continued in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where women’s turnout (59.45%) exceeded men’s (53%) by 6.4 percentage points. Notably, women voters surpassed men in five out of seven phases of voting.
The numbers tell a powerful story:
- 2020 Assembly elections: Women outnumbered men by 5-11% across phases
- 2024 Lok Sabha elections: Women’s turnout was 59.45% vs men’s 53%
- In some constituencies, female voter turnout exceeded 70%
- Rural women showed higher participation rates than urban women
The Election Commission’s data reveals that women’s participation has grown steadily since 2010, when Bihar first saw women voters outnumber men. This shift represents a significant change in the state’s political landscape.
Why are women voters crucial for Bihar election 2025?
Women voters have become kingmakers in Bihar politics. The 2020 election demonstrated their decisive power – the NDA had a 19 percentage point higher strike rate in constituencies where women voters outnumbered men. Analysis shows that constituencies with higher women voter percentages consistently favored the NDA.
This voting pattern isn’t random. Women in Bihar have shown they vote differently from men, breaking away from traditional patriarchal influences to support candidates addressing their specific concerns. They’ve proven to be agents of change, capable of altering electoral outcomes based on their distinct priorities.
Political parties now recognize women as a critical voting bloc. The JD(U) under Nitish Kumar has launched extensive outreach programs like “Mahila Samvad” to connect with women voters ahead of the 2025 elections.
Why women’s votes matter:
- They constitute nearly 50% of Bihar’s electorate
- They vote as a more cohesive bloc than men
- Their turnout rates are consistently higher
- They often prioritize governance issues over caste considerations
What role did prohibition policy play in women’s voting decisions?
The prohibition policy, implemented in 2016, has significantly influenced women’s voting behavior in Bihar. Many women supported the alcohol ban as a solution to domestic violence, wasteful spending, and social problems.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s decision to ban alcohol was largely seen as a response to women voters’ demands. The policy was part of his broader strategy to cultivate women as a constituency, alongside other initiatives like:
- 50% reservation for women in panchayats
- 35% reservation in government jobs
- Distribution of bicycles for schoolgirls
- The Jeevika self-help group program enrolling 1.20 crore women
- Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana for girl child welfare
- Rs 50,000 financial assistance for graduate girls
These policies have helped Nitish Kumar maintain strong support among women voters. In the 2020 election, 41% of women favored the NDA compared to 31% for the RJD-led Grand Alliance.
A survey conducted by the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society found that 90% of women respondents supported the prohibition policy. Many women reported that the ban had resulted in less domestic violence and more money available for household expenses.
Has the prohibition policy been successful in Bihar?
The prohibition policy has shown mixed results. Supporters point to several positive outcomes:
- Reported decline in domestic violence cases by 37% according to a state government survey
- Increased household savings directed toward education and necessities
- Greater sense of security for women in rural areas
- Reduction in alcohol-related health issues
- Decline in road accidents by 22% since implementation
However, critics highlight significant challenges:
- Continued availability of liquor at premium prices through black markets
- Strain on police resources with over 4 lakh prohibition-related cases
- Rise in deaths from consumption of illicit liquor (over 150 deaths since 2016)
- Economic impact from lost revenue (estimated Rs 6,000 crore annually)
- Increased corruption in law enforcement
- Overcrowding of jails with prohibition offenders
The policy remains controversial. While the JD(U) defends it as “effective in containing domestic violence cases,” opposition parties like RJD question its implementation and effectiveness. Prashant Kishor, a political strategist, has even promised full repeal if his party comes to power.
How are political parties targeting women voters for 2025?
Political parties are intensifying their outreach to women voters ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections:
JD(U) Strategy:
- Launched “Mahila Samvad” campaign to gather feedback on women-centric initiatives
- Leveraging 10.75 lakh women self-help groups as links between the party and women voters
- Highlighting achievements like 50% reservation in panchayats and 35% quota in government jobs
- Promoting the success stories of women beneficiaries of government schemes
- Organizing women-only rallies and meetings across districts
BJP Approach:
- Promoting central government schemes like Ujjwala Yojana for LPG connections
- Highlighting PM Awas Yojana benefits for women homeowners
- Emphasizing women’s safety initiatives
- Building women’s wings at booth levels to mobilize voters
RJD and Opposition Strategy:
- Criticizing the JD(U)’s campaign as “a blatant advertisement exercise at the expense of public money”
- Questioning the effectiveness of prohibition policy
- Promising alternative approaches to women’s welfare
- Offering higher reservations and financial incentives
- Proposing reforms to the prohibition policy rather than complete repeal
The battle for women’s votes has become central to Bihar’s political landscape. As one analyst noted, “Women are emerging as a voting bloc who go beyond the traditional calculation of caste & religious arithmetic and vote for governance issues”.
What factors influence women’s voting decisions in Bihar?
Women voters in Bihar consider multiple factors when casting their ballots:
- Safety and security: Improved law and order, especially related to women’s safety
- Economic empowerment: Programs like Jeevika that promote self-reliance
- Political representation: 50% reservation in panchayats and municipal bodies
- Educational opportunities: Schemes like bicycle distribution for schoolgirls
- Prohibition policy: Impact on domestic violence and household finances
- Healthcare access: Maternal health services and primary healthcare facilities
- Infrastructure development: Roads, electricity, and water supply affecting daily life
- Financial inclusion: Access to banking and credit facilities
- Digital literacy: Programs promoting technology adoption among women
- Agricultural support: As many women work in agriculture
These priorities often differ from men’s voting considerations, creating a distinct voting pattern. Women have demonstrated they vote based on governance issues rather than traditional caste and religious factors.
A recent survey by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) found that 64% of women voters in Bihar prioritize development and welfare schemes over caste considerations, compared to 47% of male voters.
How has the Jeevika program influenced women’s political participation?
The Bihar Rural Livelihoods Project, known as Jeevika, has played a crucial role in mobilizing women voters. Started in 2007 and expanded statewide, this World Bank-supported program has:
- Organized 1.20 crore women into 10.75 lakh self-help groups (SHGs)
- Provided access to credit and financial services
- Trained women in various skills and livelihoods
- Created community platforms for discussing social issues
Jeevika has transformed rural women’s political consciousness. Research by the International Growth Centre found that women in Jeevika SHGs were:
- 25% more likely to vote independently
- 30% more likely to participate in gram sabha meetings
- More aware of government schemes and policies
- More likely to collectively demand better services
These groups have become powerful political networks. During elections, candidates actively seek endorsements from Jeevika didis (sisters), recognizing their influence in mobilizing women voters.
What challenges do women voters face in Bihar?
Despite their growing electoral significance, women voters in Bihar continue to face several challenges:
- Patriarchal pressures: Many still face family pressure on voting decisions
- Limited political representation: Despite 50% reservation in local bodies, women remain underrepresented in the Assembly
- Literacy barriers: Lower literacy rates affect access to political information
- Economic dependence: Financial constraints limit political mobility
- Safety concerns: Fear of violence or harassment at polling stations
- Infrastructure issues: Lack of separate toilets and facilities at polling booths
- Limited campaign targeting: Political messaging often fails to address women’s specific concerns
The Election Commission has taken steps to address some of these issues by:
- Setting up all-women polling booths
- Providing transportation in remote areas
- Ensuring adequate security at voting centers
- Conducting women-specific voter awareness campaigns
Will prohibition policy determine the outcome of Bihar Election 2025?
The prohibition policy has become a central issue in the upcoming election. After nine years of implementation, voters will evaluate whether it has delivered on its promises or created more problems.
Political parties are taking clear positions:
- Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) defends prohibition as necessary for social reform
- Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD questions its effectiveness
- Prashant Kishor promises complete repeal
- BJP maintains cautious support while suggesting reforms
Recent opinion polls show mixed public sentiment:
- 62% of women continue to support prohibition
- 58% of men favor modification or repeal
- Support is stronger in rural areas (67%) than urban centers (43%)
- 75% believe implementation has been flawed
The election will serve as a referendum on this controversial policy. Women voters, who were instrumental in pushing for prohibition, will play a crucial role in determining whether it continues or ends.
How might women’s voting patterns evolve in 2025?
As Bihar approaches the 2025 elections, several trends suggest how women’s voting patterns might evolve:
- Increased independence: More women are likely to make voting decisions independently of male family members
- Issue-based voting: Focus on concrete policies rather than personality or party loyalty
- Digital influence: Growing access to smartphones is exposing women to diverse political viewpoints
- Youth factor: Younger women voters show different priorities than older generations
- Urban-rural divide: Different voting patterns between urban and rural women may become more pronounced
Political analysts predict that parties offering concrete plans for women’s economic empowerment, rather than just welfare schemes, may gain favor. Women voters are increasingly evaluating long-term impact over short-term benefits.
What does research reveal about prohibition’s impact on women’s lives?
Independent research on prohibition’s impact shows complex results:
A study by the Development Management Institute in Patna surveyed 2,368 households across 16 districts and found:
- 58% reported reduced domestic violence
- 56% noted increased household savings
- 44% mentioned improved children’s education
- 32% cited better family health
However, the same study revealed:
- 67% acknowledged continued availability of alcohol
- 42% reported higher prices leading to greater financial strain when men still drink
- 38% mentioned increased conflict with law enforcement
- 29% noted new forms of substance abuse replacing alcohol
Women’s experiences vary significantly by region, economic status, and caste. Urban, educated women report less positive impact than rural women from economically weaker sections.
How are grassroots women leaders influencing Bihar politics?
A new generation of grassroots women leaders is emerging from panchayats and Jeevika groups, changing Bihar’s political landscape:
- Over 50% of panchayat positions are held by women
- Many initially served as proxies but have grown into independent leaders
- Success stories like Poonam Devi from Sitamarhi and Reena Devi from Muzaffarpur inspire others
- These leaders connect directly with women voters, understanding their needs
Political parties are increasingly recruiting these grassroots leaders as candidates. In the 2020 Assembly elections, 28 women were elected as MLAs-the highest number in Bihar’s history. This trend is expected to continue in 2025.
As Bihar approaches the 2025 Assembly elections, the women’s vote remains the X-factor that could decide which party forms the government. Their growing political consciousness and distinct voting patterns make them a force that no political party can afford to ignore. The prohibition policy, along with other women-centric initiatives, will be crucial in determining which way this powerful voting bloc swings.
Here are the sources
- https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/eyeing-bihar-polls-nitish-steps-up-women-outreach-feedback-on-schemes-prohibition-9954050/
Eyeing Bihar polls, Nitish steps up women outreach: feedback on schemes, prohibition - https://economictimes.com/news/elections/assembly-elections/bihar/bihar-polls-months-away-congress-calls-for-implementation-of-womens-reservation-law/articleshow/119213870.cms
Bihar polls months away, Congress calls for implementation of women’s reservation law - https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-46453934
The women who fought to ban alcohol – BBC - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/64-more-women-voted-than-men-ec/articleshow/110681797.cms
6.4% more women voted than men: EC | Patna News – Times of India - https://clpr.org.in/blog/women-voters-and-the-bihar-elections/
Women Voters and the Bihar Elections - https://csep.org/opinion-commentary/women-voters-can-tip-the-scales-in-bihar/
Women voters can tip the scales in Bihar – CSEP - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/women-voters-surpass-men-in-bihars-lok-sabha-elections/articleshow/117557571.cms
Women voters surpass men in Bihar’s Lok Sabha elections - https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/why-prohibition-is-back-in-focus-in-bihar-2717455-2025-04-30
Why prohibition is back in focus in Bihar – India Today
