Counting of votes is underway in Bihar and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition has been maintaining strong momentum since the start. Exit-poll projections are being exceeded, signalling a favourable outcome for the NDA. According to the latest information, the NDA has crossed the “magic figure” and is showing dominance in 175 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan coalition is leading in just 64 seats. To form the government in Bihar, a majority of 122 seats is required.
For the Mahagathbandhan to reach this magic figure of 122, they still need to win about 60 more seats. However, based on current trends this appears unlikely — in fact, results suggest they may fall short by about ten seats. Public sentiment seems to favour a “double-engine government” and that is working for the NDA. Within the NDA, both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (United) (JDU) appear poised to share seats almost equally.
The NDA pre-announced their Bihar Chief Ministerial candidate Nitish Kumar, received various development funds from the Centre, and state women’s bank accounts were credited with ₹10,000 under government schemes. With farmers and ordinary citizens targeted by welfare schemes from both Central and State governments, experts believe the outcome is tilting in favour of the NDA.
Before final counting, the Mahagathbandhan alleged that EVMs were subjected to manipulation and counting machines were tampered with. Even when officials showed empty boxes to the alliance leaders, they continued with the same line of complaint. Additionally, the issue of the Delhi blasts was used politically by opposition parties, which reportedly caused some discomfort for them. Final results are expected by this afternoon. Regardless of whether the NDA wins, the number of seats they secure will become clear shortly.
