NEW DELHI: The exit polls on Tuesday predicted a decisive victory for the Nitish Kumar–led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Bihar elections, which witnessed a heavy voter turnout in both phases held on November 6 and 11.
Predicting Magadh's mood days before the D-day, the exit polls suggested a bleak outcome for the opposition Mahagathbandhan in the Bihar contest. The pollsters also dismissed Prashant Kishor’s claims of an electoral breakthrough, projecting his Jan Suraaj to finish in single digits.
A poll of polls indicated a likely return of the NDA to power, with the alliance expected to secure around 148 seats. The RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, despite campaigning as the agent of change, is projected to fall short, with estimates placing it at around 88 seats. The others are expected to win 7 seats according to the polls of polls.
The
People’s Pulse exit poll estimates the NDA at 133–159 seats, the Mahagathbandhan at 75–101, Jan Suraaj at 0–5, and other parties at 2–8 seats.
The
Dainik Bhaskar poll suggests the NDA could secure 145–160 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan may end up with 73–91. It also predicted that Jan Suraaj may not open its account, and other parties and independents could win 5–10 seats.
According to the
JVC-Polls, the NDA is projected to win 135–150 seats, the Mahagathbandhan 88–103, and others 3–6 seats.
Matrize predicted 147-167 seats for the NDA and 70-90 seats for the opposition Mahagathbandhan. It has an estimated 2-10 seats for others.
People’s Insight forecasts 133–148 seats for the NDA and 87–102 for the Mahagathbandhan, while others are expected to win 3–6 seats.
Exit polls like Axis My India and C-Voter will be releasing their data on Wednesday.
Bihar recorded a voter turnout of 68.52 per cent in the second phase of the assembly elections as of 5 pm on Tuesday, according to the Election Commission. The polling took place across 122 constituencies.
Among districts, Kishanganj registered the highest turnout at 76.26 per cent, followed by Katihar (75.23 per cent), Purnia (73.79 per cent), Supaul (70.69 per cent), Purvi Champaran (69.02 per cent) and Banka (68.91 per cent).
Nawada recorded the lowest turnout at 57.11 per cent, as per the Voter Turnout app.
Other districts saw steady participation, including Araria (67.79 per cent), Arwal (63.06 per cent), Aurangabad (64.48 per cent), Bhagalpur (66.03 per cent), Jahanabad (64.36 per cent), Kaimur (67.22 per cent), Paschim Champaran (69.02 per cent) and Gaya (67.50 per cent).
Record voting in Phase one
The first phase of polling had recorded 65.08 per cent turnout. All major political blocs have claimed that the high participation reflects support in their favour.
The main contest in the 2025 Bihar Assembly election is between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Mahagathbandhan.
The NDA comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha. The RJD-led Mahagathbandhan includes the Congress, CPI-ML, CPI, CPM and Vikasheel Insaan Party.
A third front has also entered the fray, with Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj contesting all seats independently.
In the 2020 election, polling was held in three phases. The NDA won 125 seats while the Mahagathbandhan secured 110. Among major parties, the JD(U) won 43 seats and the BJP 74, while the RJD secured 75 seats and the Congress 19.
For now, the exit polls offer a broad outline of the political mood, but the final numbers will depend on actual counting. As parties gear up and alliances prepare their strategies, Bihar waits to see whether the projections hold or whether the electorate has delivered a surprise of its own.
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