The 2025 Bihar elections have emerged as more than a state-level contest; they are a reflection of the evolving political doctrine of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — one that blends religion, repression and the careful construction of external threats to consolidate power. Bihar, historically a site of social movements and caste politics, has now become the testing ground for a new experiment in political control and ideological uniformity.

In recent months, the BJP's campaign rhetoric in Bihar has undergone a notable shift. Development, once the centrepiece of Modi-era politics, has been quietly replaced by the language of identity and grievance. The emphasis has moved from vikas (development) to virasat (heritage), and from governance to faith. The party has perfected the art of merging religious symbolism with political strategy, invoking the imagery of Hindu pride, cultural revivalism and national security to appeal to voters.

The shift is deliberate. Bihar, with its entrenched caste divisions and fragile economy, provides fertile ground for emotive politics. The party's messaging paints Hindus as victims of historical neglect and Muslims as perpetual beneficiaries of so-called appeasement. By turning majority anxiety into political mobilisation, the BJP has managed to overshadow discussions on unemployment, rural distress and the state's ailing public services.

At the same time, the suppression of dissent has become an inseparable........

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