Bihar election results: NDA secures another term, Mahagathbandhan wiped out
What's the story
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has stormed past the 200-seat mark in the 243-member Bihar Assembly, marking the alliance's best electoral showing in the state's history. This breaks the previous record of 206 seats in the 2010 assembly elections. The Mahagathbandhan, on the other hand, is struggling to cling on to even 40 seats. The RJD, which was the single largest party in 2020, was leading in less than 30 seats.
Opposition standings
Mahagathbandhan trails, Kishor's Jan Suraaj concedes leads
The BJP has won 50 seats and is leading in 41 others, while the JD(U) has won 32 seats and is leading in 51. The Tejashwi Yadav-led RJD managed to win seven seats and is leading in 18 others. Tejashwi won Raghopur seat by 13,880 votes against BJP candidate Satish Kumar Yadav. Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj, which was leading on four seats initially, has conceded its leads. Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM is currently leading on one seat and has won four.
Last election
2020 election result
These numbers are a massive jolt for the Tejashwi-led RJD, which finished as the single largest party in the 2020 state polls, winning 75 seats. However, the Congress underperformed in that election too, and the NDA formed the government. The Congress, which was allotted 70 seats, won only 19. The NDA, led by the current CM, won a majority in the 243-member Assembly, thanks in large part to the BJP's 74 seats. The JD(U) won 43 seats.
Modi
Modi credits good governance for win
As the outcome became clear, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said good governance and development won. In a post on X, he said the people gave the ruling alliance a huge victory after witnessing its track record and vision to "take the state to new heights." "Victory of good governance has been achieved...Victory of development has been achieved. Victory of the spirit of public welfare has been achieved. Victory of social justice has been achieved."
Voter turnout
NDA's performance mirrors 2020 trends, women voters' impact
The NDA's stellar performance is attributed to high participation by women voters. Bihar saw its highest female voter turnout in its history. The number of women who voted was 71.6%, while the number of males who voted was significantly lower at 62.8% The entry of Kishor's Jan Suraj Party was expected to cut into non-NDA votes, but it polled fewer votes than NOTA (None Of The Above Option).