PATNA: Counting of votes for the Bihar Assembly elections has indicated a stunning lead for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), putting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on course for a fifth term in office.
The state recorded a voter turnout of 67.13% during the two-phase polling held on November 6 and 11, reflecting high public participation in the electoral process. With counting underway on November 14, early trends show the NDA crossing the majority mark of 122 seats comfortably.
According to the latest leads, JD(U) is ahead in 83 constituencies while the BJP is leading in 93. Chirag Paswan’s LJP (Ram Vilas) is leading in 19 seats and Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustani Awam Morcha is ahead in 5 constituencies. In total, the NDA is leading in more than 200 seats, indicating a decisive mandate.
Meanwhile, the Grand Alliance comprising the RJD, Congress and Left parties is witnessing a poor performance. RJD, which contested as the largest party in the alliance, is leading in only 26 seats. The Congress is ahead in just 3 constituencies, leaving the Grand Alliance with a combined lead of 31 seats. Smaller parties including Jan Suraj and VIP have failed to make an impact, and AIMIM candidates appear to be trailing in most places.
This election was seen as a high-stakes political battle in a state with a population of more than 24 crore. The strong performance of the ruling coalition suggests public approval of the NDA’s governance and leadership. With trends firmly in its favour, the alliance is poised to retain power in Bihar with a commanding majority.
