Exit polls on Tuesday predicted a clear return to power for the National Democratic Alliance in Bihar, signalling a setback for the Mahagathbandhan despite its vigorous campaign to unseat Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s coalition.
TIF Research projected a strong showing for the NDA in the Bihar Assembly polls, placing the alliance between 145 and 163 seats. The Mahagathbandhan is expected to finish a distant second with 76–95 seats, while other parties may secure 3-6 seats.
The People Pulse survey projected 133–159 seats for the NDA, with the Mahagathbandhan trailing at 75-101 seats. Jan Suraaj, contesting independently across the state, is expected to secure between 0 and 5 seats, while others may win 2-8.
A similar trend emerged in the Dainik Bhaskar poll, which placed the NDA between 145 and 160 seats. It forecast 73-91 seats for the Mahagathbandhan, with Jan Suraaj unlikely to open its account. Independents and smaller parties may secure 5-10 seats.
The DVC Research poll also indicated a decisive edge for the NDA, placing the alliance between 137 and 152 seats. The Mahagathbandhan, it said, may secure 83-98 seats, with Jan Suraaj bagging 2-4 and others 4-8.
The surveys followed a high voter turnout of 68.67 per cent in the second phase of polling, recorded by 5 p.m., according to the Election Commission.
Kishanganj topped the charts with 76.26 per cent polling, followed by Katihar at 75.23 per cent, Purnia at 73.79 per cent and Supaul at 70.69 per cent. Nawada saw the lowest turnout at 57.11 per cent.
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Significant participation was also noted in 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).
The first phase of voting had recorded an impressive 65.08 per cent turnout, with all parties claiming the numbers were favourable to their prospects.
The 2025 Assembly polls have primarily pitted the NDA, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha, against the Mahagathbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal in partnership with the Congress, CPI-ML, CPI, CPM and the Vikasheel Insaan Party.
A third front has also taken shape with Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj, which contested across all constituencies.
In the 2020 election, the NDA secured 125 seats and the Mahagathbandhan 110. The JD(U) won 43 and the BJP 74, while the RJD secured 75 and the Congress 19.
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