Early counting trends in the Bihar assembly elections indicate a strong comeback for the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), with the coalition firmly positioned to return to power by comfortably crossing the majority mark.
NDA Crosses Halfway Mark Comfortably
As of 10:30 a.m. on November 14, 2025, the NDA was leading in 137 out of 243 seats, well above the required 122 seats needed to form the government. This performance suggests the alliance has successfully overcome anti-incumbency sentiments to secure another term in office.
The early trends show Janata Dal (United) leading in 61 seats, accounting for approximately 32% of the seat share with a 18.2% vote share. Meanwhile, their alliance partner Bharatiya Janata Party was ahead in 56 seats, representing 30.8% seat share and commanding a 22.8% vote share.
Mahagathbandhan Struggles to Keep Pace
The opposition Mahagathbandhan (MGB) coalition appears to be facing significant challenges, with the alliance leading on just 48 seats according to early counting data. The coalition comprises multiple parties including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, CPI-ML, CPI, CPI(M) and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP).
Despite the RJD accounting for the highest vote share among individual parties at 23.5%, the party managed only a 17.2% seat share, highlighting the disconnect between vote percentage and actual seat conversions.
Election Context and Validation of Exit Polls
The Bihar assembly elections were conducted in two phases earlier this month, with both NDA partners having contested 101 seats each. The current counting trends broadly align with exit poll predictions that had projected a clear victory for the ruling alliance.
This electoral performance marks a significant achievement for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the NDA, demonstrating their ability to retain voter confidence despite anti-incumbency factors that typically challenge sitting governments in Indian state elections.
The final results will determine whether these early trends translate into a definitive majority for the NDA government in Bihar, setting the political course for the state for the next five years.
