Early trends in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections indicate a lead for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which is ahead in 67 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan is leading in 25 constituencies as per the Election Commission of India’s update at 9:40 a.m.
Counting for all 243 Assembly seats began at 8 a.m. under tight security arrangements. Officials first took up the scrutiny of postal ballots, followed by the counting of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) votes from 8:30 a.m. onwards.
The Election Commission has put in place extensive security and monitoring systems across counting centres, with 4,372 counting tables and over 18,000 counting agents overseeing the exercise. Exit polls have largely projected an advantage for the NDA, though some surveys have given an edge to the Mahagathbandhan.
According to an official ECI press note, a total of 2,616 candidates and 12 recognised political parties contested the two-phase polls held on November 6 and 11. No repoll was required in any constituency.
The key contest in the state is between the NDA, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and the Mahagathbandhan alliance headed by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.
In the 2020 Assembly elections, the NDA won 125 seats and formed the government with Nitish Kumar returning as Chief Minister. In August 2022, Kumar severed ties with the BJP and aligned with the RJD-Congress-led Mahagathbandhan. He was seen as a central figure in shaping the opposition’s INDIA bloc. However, the alliance with the RJD lasted less than two years, and in January 2024, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Kumar rejoined the NDA.
Electoral performances of key parties over previous elections reflect notable shifts. The BJP strengthened its position, rising from 53 seats in 2015 to 74 in 2020. The RJD retained significant support, winning 80 seats in 2015 and 75 in 2020. The JD(U) experienced a decline, dropping from 71 seats in 2015 to 43 in 2020. Congress also saw a reduction in its tally, from 27 seats in 2015 to 19 in 2020.
The NDA comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha. The Mahagathbandhan includes the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, CPI-ML, CPI, CPI(M), and the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP).