Bihar's Political Destiny Awaits as Vote Counting Commences
The political fate of Bihar hangs in balance as counting of votes for the 2025 Assembly elections began on Thursday morning. The state witnessed a historic electoral battle between the ruling National Democratic Alliance and the opposition Mahagathbandhan led by Tejashwi Yadav, with former poll strategist Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party making its electoral debut.
Record-Breaking Voter Turnout Sets Stage
The two-phase polling on November 6 and November 11 created history with an unprecedented 67.13% voter turnout - the highest since 1951. What made this election particularly remarkable was the complete absence of repolls across all 38 districts, which the Election Commission hailed as a successful conduct of democratic exercise.
Women voters played a crucial role in shaping this historic participation, with 71.6% of female electorate casting their votes - another record for the state. The massive turnout indicates heightened public engagement and could potentially spring surprises in the final outcome.
High-Voltage Political Contest
The primary contest is between the BJP-led NDA alliance, which includes Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha, and the opposition Mahagathbandhan comprising Rashtriya Janata Dal, Congress party, Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) led by Deepankar Bhattacharya, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Mukesh Sahani's Vikasheel Insaan Party.
While the NDA campaigned heavily on its development track record, the Mahagathbandhan focused on issues of unemployment, youth discontent and social justice. Tejashwi Yadav, the opposition leader, has expressed confidence about forming the next government, though he also raised concerns about potential manipulation of results.
Counting Process and Security Arrangements
The counting process began at 8:00 AM across all 243 constituencies with elaborate arrangements to ensure transparency. The election machinery deployed 4,372 counting tables, 243 Returning Officers and 18,000 counting agents to oversee the process. As an additional measure of accuracy, VVPAT verification will be conducted for five polling stations per constituency.
The entire process is being conducted under tight security, building on the success of violence-free polling that required zero repolls during the voting phases.
Exit Poll Predictions and Historical Context
Most exit polls have predicted that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance is likely to retain power in Bihar, though one survey projected a close fight between the ruling alliance and the opposition Mahagathbandhan. However, exit polls have historically been inaccurate in predicting Bihar's electoral outcomes.
In the 2020 Assembly elections, the NDA secured 125 seats while the Mahagathbandhan won 110 seats. Among major parties, JD(U) won 43 out of 115 constituencies it contested, while BJP secured 74 out of 110 seats. The RJD, leading the opposition alliance, won 75 out of 144 seats it contested.
Why Bihar Elections Matter
Bihar's electoral outcome carries significance beyond state politics. As one of the largest states in the Hindi heartland, its political direction often influences national politics. The state's economic condition adds another layer of importance - despite having 10% of India's population, Bihar contributes only 2.8% to the national economy, indicating lower per capita economic output compared to other states.
The performance of Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party, making its electoral debut, will be closely watched as it could potentially reshape Bihar's political landscape in the coming years.
As counting progresses throughout the day, all eyes are on whether Bihar will choose continuity under Nitish Kumar's leadership, opt for change under Tejashwi Yadav, or signal support for a new political alternative.
