Counting for the 2025 Bihar election has commenced, revealing a competitive landscape between the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance and the opposition Mahagathbandhan. Early exit polls suggest that the NDA, which includes Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal United (JDU), is poised for victory.
Bihar Election Results: BJP-JDU vs RJD Battle Intensifies
According to various exit polls, the NDA is predicted to secure a significant majority. Here are the key findings:
- The NDA could win 146 seats out of 243, surpassing the majority threshold by 24.
- The Mahagathbandhan, led by Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), may be limited to about 92 seats — notably fewer than the 110 it achieved in the previous election.
- Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj appears to be struggling, with projections showing it might capture only one seat.
Exit Poll Predictions
Several exit polls, including those conducted by Today’s Chanakya and CNX, support the assertion of a decisive victory for the BJP-JDU alliance, predicting over 150 seats for the ruling bloc. Meanwhile, Axis My India offers a more modest outlook, suggesting a narrow win for the NDA by as few as three seats.
Another potential outcome features Tejashwi Yadav emerging as a favored chief ministerial candidate, despite losses for his alliance. One exit poll by Peoples Pulse estimates that the BJP-JDU could secure between 133 and 159 seats, while the opposition might garner less than 101.
Regional Dynamics and Voter Trends
Voter behavior heavily influences Bihar’s elections. Historically, women voters favor Nitish Kumar’s leadership, whereas the Yadav community aligns with the RJD. Recent surveys indicate that:
- 45% of women voters opted for the NDA.
- Approximately 90% of Yadavs are expected to support the Mahagathbandhan.
- The opposition is anticipated to attract nearly 80% of Muslim votes.
The voting took place in two phases on November 6 and 11. A notable voter turnout of nearly 67% has sparked debates about its implications for the incumbent government. Historically, increased turnout has correlated with challenges for the ruling party in Bihar.
The BJP remains upbeat, even going as far as ordering a significant amount of celebratory sweets in anticipation of victory. Conversely, Tejashwi Yadav remains optimistic, interpreting the high turnout as a favorable indicator for the Mahagathbandhan.
As the counting progresses, the results will define the political landscape in Bihar, underscoring the intense rivalry between these two alliances.
