Exit Polls Paint Clear Picture for NDA
Exit polls released on Tuesday forecast a powerful and decisive victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, in the high-stakes Bihar Assembly elections. The projections indicate a bleak outcome for the opposition Mahagathbandhan, signaling a likely return of the incumbent government to power in the state.
Seat Projections and Pollster Breakdown
A consolidated poll of polls suggests the NDA is expected to secure around 148 seats, comfortably crossing the majority mark in the 243-seat assembly. In contrast, the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan is projected to fall short, with estimates around 88 seats. Other smaller parties and independents are expected to win approximately 7 seats.
The predictions from various polling agencies provide a detailed range:
- People’s Pulse: NDA (133–159), Mahagathbandhan (75–101), Jan Suraaj (0–5), Others (2–8)
- Dainik Bhaskar: NDA (145–160), Mahagathbandhan (73–91), Jan Suraaj (0), Others (5–10)
- JVC-Polls: NDA (135–150), Mahagathbandhan (88–103), Others (3–6)
- Matrize: NDA (147-167), Mahagathbandhan (70-90), Others (2-10)
- People’s Insight: NDA (133–148), Mahagathbandhan (87–102), Others (3–6)
These polls collectively dismissed the electoral ambitions of Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj, projecting the party to finish with a negligible number of seats, failing to make a significant breakthrough.
Robust Voter Turnout in Both Phases
The electoral battle witnessed a heavy and enthusiastic participation from the electorate. According to the Election Commission, the second phase of polling across 122 constituencies recorded a turnout of 68.52 per cent as of 5 pm on Tuesday.
Among the districts, Kishanganj registered the highest turnout at 76.26 per cent, followed closely by Katihar (75.23%) and Purnia (73.79%). Other districts like Supaul, Purvi Champaran, and Banka also saw strong participation. In contrast, Nawada recorded the lowest turnout at 57.11 per cent.
This follows a similarly robust first phase turnout of 65.08 per cent, held on November 6. All major political blocs have claimed that the high voter participation reflects public support in their favor.
The Political Landscape and Final Countdown
The main contest in the 2025 Bihar Assembly election is squarely between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Mahagathbandhan. The NDA coalition includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha. The opposition Mahagathbandhan, led by the RJD, comprises the Congress, CPI-ML, CPI, CPM, and the Vikasheel Insaan Party.
For now, the exit polls offer a broad outline of the political mood in Bihar. However, the final numbers will be determined on the counting day. As political parties gear up and alliances fine-tune their strategies, the people of Bihar await the final verdict to see if these projections hold true or if the electorate has delivered a surprise of its own.
