The Bihar Assembly elections of 2025 are pivotal for the political landscape of the state, having unfolded in two crucial phases. The first phase of voting occurred on November 6, yielding a voter turnout of 65.08%. Following this, the second phase took place on November 11, with an improved turnout of 67.14% by 5 PM. This election will determine a total of 243 seats, with a simple majority of 122 seats required to form the government.
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, is contesting a total of 101 seats each by the Janata Dal (United) and Bharatiya Janata Party, alongside 29 seats for the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and six seats each for Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and Rashtriya Lok Manch. On the opposing side, the Grand Alliance, or Mahagathbandhan, is fielding candidates from the Rashtriya Janata Dal for 143 seats, Congress for 61 seats, and various other smaller parties.
According to exit poll projections from Peoples Pulse, the NDA is expected to secure between 133 and 159 seats. Similarly, People's Insight suggests a comparable range of outcomes. Such predictions reflect the competitive nature of the election, where the stakes are high for both alliances to secure power in the state.
An exit poll serves as a surrogate measure often conducted after voters cast their ballots, providing insights into voter preferences and potential election outcomes. This election's results are expected to unfold on November 14, following the counting of votes, a process that will reveal if the NDA retains its authority or if the Grand Alliance, led by Tejashwi Yadav, captures governance.
In the previous Bihar elections of 2020, the NDA emerged victoriously with 125 seats, contrary to predictions that favored the Grand Alliance. The BJP clinched 74 seats, JD(U) secured 43, while the RJD, although the largest party by seat count with 75, could not form the government. This history highlights the unpredictability of Bihar's elections and the uncertainties that can accompany exit polls.
As voters head to the polls, understanding these dynamics becomes crucial. The manner in which the electorate chooses to cast their vote will not only shape the immediate political scenario in Bihar but also reflects broader sentiments across the country, posing questions about governance, policy, and representation that resonate beyond the state's boundaries.