Patna, India - As the clock nears 8:00 AM on November 14, 2025, all eyes are fixed on Bihar as the counting of votes for the state's Assembly Elections commences. The counting process will determine whether Nitish Kumar, the state's longest-serving Chief Minister, will secure a record fifth term, or if Bihar will witness a change in government.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that the counting of votes and announcement of initial trends will begin promptly at 8:00 AM, with final results expected to be declared by the evening. The counting will begin with postal ballots, followed by the counting of votes from Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at 8:30 AM. The ECI has mandated that the counting of postal ballots must be completed before the penultimate round of EVM counting.
For the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, a historic voter turnout of nearly 67% was recorded, the highest ever in the state since 1951. This high turnout is significant, as historically, a substantial increase in voter participation has often preceded a change in government in Bihar.
The NDA, which includes five parties, is confident in its performance. Meanwhile, the Grand Alliance, consisting of RJD, Congress, CPI(ML) Liberation, other Left parties, and Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP), hopes to defy the exit poll predictions. Out of 11 exit poll surveys, 10 have predicted a landslide victory for the NDA, while one projects a tight contest between the JDU-led ruling alliance and the Mahagathbandhan.
The Election Commission has taken extensive measures to ensure the integrity of the vote counting process. All EVMs and VVPATs have been secured under a double-lock system within strong rooms, guarded by a two-tier security cover consisting of central paramilitary forces on the inner rung and state police on the outer. Continuous CCTV surveillance is maintained at the 46 counting centers established across the state's 38 districts. More than 4,300 counting tables have been set up.
A total of 7.45 crore voters were eligible to cast their votes for 2,616 candidates in the two-phased elections, which took place on November 6 and 11. The ECI has lauded the Bihar polls as a "model election," noting zero repolls and record participation.
In Patna district, the counting of votes for all 14 Legislative Assembly constituencies will be held at AN College. The Model Code of Conduct, as prescribed by the Election Commission of India, remains in effect across the entire Patna district until November 16.
As the counting progresses, live updates and trends will be available on various platforms, including the Election Commission of India's official website and news sources. The results of this election will significantly impact the political landscape of Bihar, determining the course of governance and development in the state for the next five years.
