The counting of votes for the 243-seat Bihar assembly began at 8 am on Friday, and within minutes, early numbers placed the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in a commanding position. By 10.30 am, the ruling coalition had crossed the halfway mark of 160 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan was leading in over 60 constituencies. The BJP briefly slipped behind the RJD in the initial leads, but soon recovered its position and was ahead on nearly 80 seats by 9:40 am, according to early trends.
Several high-stakes constituencies reflected this early momentum. The BJP was leading in seats such as Lakhisarai, Patna Sahib, Alinagar and Buxar, while the RJD was ahead in Raghopur, Hajipur, Amnour, Thakurganj and Bodh Gaya. These numbers, however, are from the initial rounds of counting and are expected to fluctuate through the day.
Exit polls released ahead of counting day had predicted a decisive victory for the NDA, but the Opposition remains confident of springing a surprise. Tejashwi Yadav is the declared chief ministerial face of the INDIA bloc, while the NDA has not announced a CM candidate.
Meanwhile, speculation continues around Nitish Kumar’s political future, with Opposition leaders insisting that he may not return as chief minister even if the NDA secures a majority.
Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party is also contesting the elections, adding another layer to an already intense political battle. The early count began with postal ballots before the Election Commission moved to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Initial data showed the NDA leading on over 80 seats and the Mahagathbandhan maintaining strong leads in more than 60 seats.
The majority mark in the Bihar assembly stands at 122 seats, determining who will form the next government. Several key contests are drawing attention, including Tejashwi Yadav’s stronghold Raghopur, the Mahua seat where his brother is contesting, and the Alinagar seat, where the BJP has fielded popular folk singer Maithili Thakur. The Seemanchal region comprising Purnia, Araria, Katihar and Kishanganj is also seen as a crucial battleground.
The Mahagathbandhan dismissed the surveys as an attempt to influence public perception. Voter turnout in the election was notably high, with 65.08% polling in the first phase on November 6 and a record 69.20% in the second phase on November 11 the highest turnout Bihar has recorded since 1951.
A digital news platform, Journo Mirror, projected that the
Mahagathbandhan would cross the majority mark with 130 to 140 seats, leaving the NDA with around 100 to 110. As counting progresses, the coming hours will determine which prediction holds true and which alliance gains the mandate to govern the state.
A clearer indication of which alliance NDA or Mahagathbandhan may form the next government is likely to emerge only by evening.
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