Patna: The counting of votes for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 began today, November 14, at 8 am across 46 counting centers in the state. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is overseeing the process, and final results are expected by the evening. The outcome of this election will determine whether Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the state's longest-serving leader, secures another term or if Bihar witnesses a change in government after two decades.
The Bihar Assembly elections took place in two phases on November 6 and 11. A historic voter turnout of 67.13% was recorded, marking the highest-ever participation in the state since the first Assembly elections in 1951. A total of 7.45 crore voters were eligible to decide the fate of 2,616 candidates across 243 Assembly constituencies.
In the first phase, the female voter turnout was significantly higher at 69.04% compared to 61.56% among men. The second phase saw an even greater surge, with 74.03% of women casting their votes compared to 64.1% of men. According to the ECI, all Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) used in the polls have been secured in strongrooms under a double-lock system.
The key contenders in this election are the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Nitish Kumar, and the Mahagathbandhan, led by Tejashwi Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The NDA is aiming to retain power, while the Mahagathbandhan hopes to stage a comeback.
Exit polls have largely predicted a return to power for the NDA, estimating that the alliance will comfortably surpass the majority mark of 122 seats. For instance, Axis My India predicted the NDA to win between 121 to 141 seats, while Today's Chanakya projected a major victory for the BJP with 160 seats. However, the Mahagathbandhan remains confident of defying these projections. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav dismissed the exit polls as "fake," asserting that the public's mandate would be evident when the EVMs are opened.
The counting process is being conducted across 46 centers in 38 districts. Trends are expected to emerge by midday, and final results are anticipated by the evening. Elaborate security arrangements are in place across all 243 constituencies. Initial trends and results are expected to emerge by around 9 am.
The election's outcome will be crucial in determining the future of Bihar, deciding whether Nitish Kumar continues his reign or if Tejashwi Yadav leads a new government. The results will be closely watched, with live updates and comprehensive coverage available on various news platforms.
