Bihar's Political Fate Hangs in Balance as Vote Counting Begins
The political atmosphere in Bihar reached fever pitch on Thursday as the state geared up for the crucial vote counting process that will determine whether Chief Minister Nitish Kumar achieves an unprecedented fifth term in office. Leaders from all political parties engaged in last-minute preparations ahead of Friday's high-stakes counting for the 243-member Bihar legislative assembly.
Political Leaders Make Final Moves Before Counting
Rashtriya Janata Dal leader and INDIA bloc's chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav issued a strong warning through social media platform X, stating that his party workers and supporters stand ready to counter any unconstitutional activities during the counting process. In his post, Yadav emphasized that he conducted a virtual meeting with party candidates and district office-bearers to coordinate their strategy.
The young leader wrote, "The justice-loving people of Bihar remain alert, vigilant, and fully prepared with enthusiasm and confidence to handle any kind of improper unconstitutional activity." He further asserted that Bihar and its people remain committed to protecting democracy and the Constitution.
Controversy erupted when RJD leader Sunil Kumar Singh referenced the 2020 counting process that was halted for four hours, warning that similar disruptions this time could lead to "Nepal-like situation on the streets."
BJP Confident, Slams Opposition Remarks
BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal responded strongly to Singh's comments, describing them as reflective of the opposition's frustration and despair. "Ours is a government that believes in the rule of law," Jaiswal stated, adding that RJD leaders are insulting the public mandate sealed in EVMs.
Jaiswal expressed confidence in the NDA's return to power and revealed that senior BJP leaders maintain constant communication with polling agents across the state. He anticipated a peaceful counting process despite the heightened political tensions.
Nitish Kumar's Strategic War Room Visit
In a significant pre-counting move, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar made a surprise visit to the Janata Dal (United) headquarters in Patna. The CM spent approximately ten minutes reviewing final arrangements at the party's war room, where specialized data teams will monitor real-time trends from all 243 constituencies.
Kumar's brief interaction with senior party functionaries was interpreted as a display of confidence within the NDA alliance, which has been encouraged by exit poll projections indicating a comfortable majority for the ruling coalition.
Election Commission's Comprehensive Counting Arrangements
The Election Commission has implemented extensive security and monitoring measures across 46 counting centers spanning 38 districts in Bihar. Counting operations will commence at 8 am on Friday, beginning with postal ballots followed by EVM votes from 8:30 am.
The commission has established 4,372 counting tables, each staffed with a supervisor, assistant, and micro-observer. Over 18,000 counting agents will oversee the entire process, supported by 243 returning officers and an equal number of counting observers.
Security arrangements feature a two-tier system with central paramilitary forces managing internal security and state police handling external perimeter control. All EVMs and VVPATs remain secured under double-lock systems with continuous CCTV surveillance.
For enhanced transparency, the EC will randomly select five polling stations per constituency for VVPAT verification. The entire counting procedure will be videographed in the presence of central observers and candidate-appointed agents.
The commission has advised the public to rely exclusively on its official portal for accurate, verified updates rather than unofficial sources or hearsay.
Historic Voter Turnout Sets Stage for Decisive Outcome
Bihar witnessed a remarkable 67.13% voter participation across all assembly constituencies, with 7.45 crore eligible voters determining the political fate of 2,616 candidates. The NDA alliance, comprising JD(U), BJP, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha, aims to retain power against the INDIA bloc led by RJD in partnership with Congress, CPI(ML), CPI, CPM, and Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP).
While exit polls largely predict a clear victory for the NDA, Tejashwi Yadav maintains that the Mahagathbandhan will form the next government with a "thumping majority." By Friday afternoon, Bihar will know whether Nitish Kumar secures another term or if Tejashwi Yadav's Grand Alliance orchestrates a political upset in this fiercely contested election.
