NEW DELHI: Patna Sahib is gearing up for a high-stakes triangular contest between BJP’s Ratnesh Kushwaha, Congress candidate Shashant Shekhar and JanSuraj’s Vinita Mishra as the constituency awaits its results on Wednesday. Polling has concluded and the fate of the candidates is now sealed in the electronic voting machines. The urban seat, known for its politically aware electorate and consistent voter engagement, recorded a strong turnout, reaffirming its status as one of Patna’s most influential constituencies.
| Candidates | Party | Votes |
| Shahshant Shekhar | Congress | |
| Ratnesh Kushwaha | BJP | |
| Vinit Mishra | JanSuraaj |
A poll of polls released on Tuesday indicated that the NDA may be headed for a return to power with around 148 seats. The RJD-led Mahagathbandhan is projected to finish with close to 88 seats, while other parties may secure about 7 seats. People’s Pulse estimated 133–159 seats for the NDA, 75–101 for the Mahagathbandhan, 0–5 for Jan Suraaj and 2–8 for others. The Dainik Bhaskar poll projected 145–160 seats for the NDA and 73–91 for the Mahagathbandhan. It further suggested that Jan Suraaj may not win any seat, while others could secure 5–10. According to JVC-Polls, the NDA may win 135–150 seats, the Mahagathbandhan 88–103, and others 3–6. Matrize predicted 147–167 seats for the NDA and 70–90 for the opposition alliance, along with 2–10 for others. People’s Insight forecast 133–148 seats for the NDA, 87–102 for the Mahagathbandhan and 3–6 for other parties. The Election Commission recorded a turnout of more than 68 per cent in the second phase across 122 constituencies, signalling strong voter participation statewide. Patna Sahib has remained a BJP stronghold in recent years. In the 2020 assembly election, the constituency had 3,60,318 electors and 1,88,189 valid votes. BJP’s Nand Kishore Yadav won the seat with 97,692 votes. Pravin Singh of the Congress stood second with 79,392 votes, losing by 18,300. In 2015, Patna Sahib had 3,39,980 electors and 1,87,903 valid votes. Nand Kishore Yadav retained the seat with 88,108 votes. Santosh Mehta of the RJD finished second with 85,316 votes, trailing by 2,792.In 2010, Patna Sahib legislative assembly constituency had total 292875 electors. Total number of valid vote was 134301. Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Nand Kishore Yadav won and became MLA from this seat. He secured total 91419 votes. Indian National Congress candidate Parvej Ahmad stood second with total 26082 votes. He lost by 65337 votes. These successive victories underline the BJP’s consistent influence in this urban constituency, making Patna Sahib one of the key seats to track as counting begins.
