Voting for the Bihar Assembly elections ended on Tuesday. Exit polls suggest a clear win for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Most surveys predict that the NDA will secure 130 to 160 seats in the 243-member Assembly, crossing the majority mark of 122.
The Mahagathbandhan, which promised change, may end up with only 70 to 100 seats. Political strategist Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) has failed to make a mark. Most polls give it just 0 to 5 seats.
Poll Predictions Show NDA Ahead
The News18 Mega Exit Poll gives the NDA 140–145 seats, the Mahagathbandhan 85–95, and JSP 0–5.
The Dainik Bhaskar poll predicts 145–160 seats for the NDA and 73–91 for the Mahagathbandhan. It expects JSP to win no seats.
According to Matrize, the NDA could get 147–167 seats, the Mahagathbandhan 70–90, and JSP 0–2.
The People Pulse survey gives the NDA 133–159 seats, the Mahagathbandhan 75–101, JSP 0–5, and other smaller parties 2–8.
The DVC Research survey projects 137–152 seats for the NDA, 83–98 for the Mahagathbandhan, and 2–4 for JSP.
Other polls, like JVC and People’s Insight, also show the NDA leading with 135–150 and at least 133 seats, suggesting a strong return to power.
Two Phases of Voting
The elections took place in two phases — on November 6 and November 11. The results will be out on November 14. Exit polls are based on voter interviews outside polling stations. These surveys often differ from the actual results.
Main Contest Between NDA and INDIA Bloc
The main fight was between the NDA — led by the BJP, JD(U), and LJP (Ram Vilas) — and the INDIA bloc, which includes the RJD, Congress, and Left parties. The opposition camp projected Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial face.
The election is seen as a referendum on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, one of the longest-serving leaders in Bihar.
Record Voter Turnout
Bihar recorded its highest-ever turnout of 67.14% in the second and final phase. Voting took place across 122 constituencies, with 3.70 crore voters participating. Officials said the final figure could rise as long queues were seen even after polling hours.
The first phase on November 6 saw a 65.09% turnout across 121 constituencies, where 3.75 crore voters cast their ballots. Both alliances — NDA and Mahagathbandhan — claimed the turnout worked in their favor.