Bihar Exit Polls Trigger Political Reactions
Political leaders across Bihar displayed sharply contrasting emotions on Tuesday as exit polls following the second and final phase of voting projected a decisive victory for the ruling National Democratic Alliance. While NDA members erupted in celebration, opposition Mahagathbandhan representatives adopted a dismissive stance toward the predictions.
Opposition Questions Exit Poll Accuracy
Congress MP Tariq Anwar, whose party aligns with the Rashtriya Janata Dal-led Mahagathbandhan, expressed skepticism about the exit poll results. "Exit polls are not accurate. They are only a speculation," Anwar told news agency ANI. He emphasized that these projections merely indicate what might happen rather than representing definitive outcomes.
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate echoed this sentiment while maintaining confidence in her alliance's prospects. "My personal view is that we don't comment on exit polls — we will speak when the actual results are out," Shrinate stated. She added that Bihar would "teach a lesson because its right to vote has been manipulated" and expressed confidence that the Mahagathbandhan would ultimately form the government.
NDA Leaders Express Gratitude
In stark contrast, leaders from the ruling coalition welcomed the exit poll predictions with open arms. Umesh Singh Kushwaha of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United), a crucial NDA constituent, extended heartfelt thanks to Bihar's voters. "I thank the people of Bihar for putting a stamp on chief minister Nitish Kumar's good governance and development," Kushwaha declared.
He further congratulated the chief minister, noting that "there is a wave of support for the NDA across the state." Union minister Nityanand Rai of the Bharatiya Janata Party, another senior NDA ally, characterized the substantial voter participation as a clear reflection of public trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and their alliance.
The electoral process covered all 243 assembly constituencies in two phases. While the first round concluded on November 6 with voting for 121 seats, the second phase on Tuesday saw polling for the remaining 122 constituencies. The official counting of votes and declaration of results is scheduled for Friday, when the actual political fate of Bihar will be determined beyond speculation.
