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NEW DELHI: Bihar is set for a decisive political moment as the counting of votes for the 2025 Assembly Elections takes place on Friday, November 14. With high voter turnout and exit polls hinting at a possible return of the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government, all eyes will be on the final numbers that could shape the state’s next five years.
Bihar elections counting to start at 8 am
According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the counting of votes will begin at 8:00 am on Friday. Early trends are expected by midday, while a clear picture is likely to emerge by evening. Bihar witnessed strong voter participation this year, with 68.76% turnout in the second phase and 65.08% in the first, as per ECI data.Overall voter turnout for this election reached 66.91%. Notably, participation rates were 71.6% among female voters and 62.8% among male voters.
Where to watch the Bihar elections live results
The Election Commission’s official website will provide live updates on counting, including constituency-wise vote tallies and leading candidates throughout the day. In addition, The Times of India will carry real-time coverage on its website, offering the latest data, trends and expert insights as results unfold across the state.
NDA eyes return to power, exit polls predict advantage
Exit polls have predicted a strong showing for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, with the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan expected to fall short of a majority in the 243-member assembly. Axis My India (AMI) is projecting 121–141 seats for the NDA with a 43% vote share, and 98–118 seats for the Mahagathbandhan with 41% votes. Prashant Kishore’s Jan Suraaj Party may win up to two seats, according to AMI. Meanwhile, Today’s Chanakya predicted 160 seats (+/-12) for the NDA and 77 (+/-13) for the Mahagathbandhan.A combined poll of polls estimated the NDA’s tally at around 148 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan could secure about 88 seats. Other parties are likely to win around seven seats.The 2025 Bihar Assembly election is primarily a contest between the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan. In the 2020 polls, the NDA had won 125 seats against the Mahagathbandhan’s 110, with the JD(U) securing 43, BJP 74, RJD 75, and Congress 19.As counting begins, the big question remains — will Nitish Kumar continue his long tenure as chief minister, or will Tejashwi Yadav’s Mahagathbandhan pull off an upset and alter Bihar’s political landscape? Go to Source