The Bihar Assembly elections of 2025 have garnered significant attention due to the high stakes involved. The counting of votes, which began on November 14, reflects a fierce contest between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and the opposition coalition, the Mahagatbandhan, spearheaded by Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).
Bihar Election Results Overview
The elections for the 243-member Bihar Assembly took place in two phases on November 6 and November 11. This year’s election saw a record voter turnout of 66.91%, marking the highest in the state’s history since 1951. Notably, 71.6% of the voters were female, highlighting increased female participation.
Key Players in the Elections
- Nitish Kumar (JD(U)): Incumbent Chief Minister seeking a tenth term.
- Tejashwi Yadav (RJD): The primary challenger and leader of the Mahagatbandhan, aiming for his first term as CM.
- Maithili Thakur (BJP): A Bhojpuri singer making her electoral debut, leading in Alinagar.
- Khesari Lal Yadav (RJD): The Bhojpuri star is contesting for the Chapra seat but is currently trailing.
- Anant Kumar Singh (JD(U)): A jailed MLA leading in Mokama despite his recent controversies.
Current Trends and Results
As per Election Commission trends, the NDA alliance, comprising the BJP and JD(U), has secured a majority with leads in approximately 81 seats. The RJD-led Mahagatbandhan has emerged as the largest single party but continues to trail the NDA in overall counts.
- Dillon Yadav from RJD leads in Raghopur after recovering from an earlier deficit.
- Osama Shahab, son of the late gangster Mohd Shahabuddin, is currently leading in Raghunathpur.
- Several candidates from the opposition, including Tej Pratap Yadav, are trailing behind their counterparts from the NDA.
Implications of the Election Results
The outcome of these elections will indicate not only the political landscape of Bihar but also the future direction of both state and national politics. Despite contesting on the promise of change, the Mahagatbandhan struggles against the NDA’s incumbency, facing significant challenges from well-established allies.
In summary, as the results unfold, they reveal significant dynamics in Bihar’s electoral showcase, with a potential reinvigoration of the NDA’s governance against the backdrop of a robust youth and female voter presence. El-Balad will continue to provide updates as the election results finalize.
