New Delhi: On Tuesday, exit polls forecasted a clear win for the Nitish Kumar-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Bihar Assembly elections, which saw significant voter turnout during both phases on November 6 and 11. The exit polls reflected a dire outlook for the Opposition Mahagathbandhan, as they gauged the sentiments of Bihar voters just days ahead of the elections. Pollsters dismissed Prashant Kishor’s assertions of an electoral breakthrough, projecting his Jan Suraaj party to achieve single-digit results. A composite poll suggested that the NDA is likely to regain power, with projections estimating approximately 148 seats for the alliance.
In contrast, the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, despite its campaign for change, is anticipated to fall short, with projections placing it around 88 seats. Other parties are expected to secure 7 seats, based on the composite poll. The People’s Pulse exit poll estimates the NDA’s seats to be between 133 and 159, the Mahagathbandhan between 75 and 101, Jan Suraaj between 0 and 5, and other parties between 2 and 8 seats. The Dainik Bhaskar poll estimates the NDA could achieve between 145 and 160 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan may secure between 73 and 91 seats. It also suggested that Jan Suraaj might not win any seats, with other parties and independents projected to win between 5 and 10 seats.
According to JVC-Polls, the NDA is expected to win between 135 and 150 seats, the Mahagathbandhan between 88 and 103, and others between 3 and 6 seats. Matrize predicted the NDA could win between 147 and 167 seats, with the Mahagathbandhan securing between 70 and 90 seats, and estimated 2 to 10 seats for others. People’s Insight forecasts 133 to 148 seats for the NDA and 87 to 102 for the Mahagathbandhan, with others expected to win between 3 and 6 seats. Exit polls from Axis My India and C-Voter are set to be released on Wednesday.