Patna: Vote counting for the Bihar Assembly elections commenced at 8 am today, marking an important day in the state’s political timeline. Results for all 243 seats are anticipated by late evening, with heightened security measures in place at counting centers throughout the districts. Early trends are creating considerable excitement, particularly in constituencies contested by prominent strongmen or their relatives — a total of 15 such seats this year. Among these, eight candidates with strongman ties are representing the NDA, while seven are running on Mahagathbandhan tickets. These districts are among the most closely monitored due to their typically high voter turnout and fierce competition at the grassroots level.
A highly awaited matchup is taking place in Mokama, where Anant Singh faces Veena Devi, the spouse of former MP Suraj Bhan Singh. Polling agents from both camps arrived early at the counting center, carefully observing each round. Additionally, supporters at both homes have begun preparing for a celebratory feast, hopeful for a positive result. Other notable candidates capturing attention include Reetlal Yadav in Danapur, Hulas Pandey in Brahmapur, Osama Shahab — son of the late Shahabuddin — in Raghunathpur, Anita Mahto, spouse of Ashok Mahto, in Warisliganj, and Shivani Shukla, daughter of Munna Shukla, in Lalganj.
As the counting advances, these constituencies are expected to influence the day’s key discussions, with political analysts closely monitoring any changes in early leads. The final results will not only determine the power dynamics in the state but also the prospects for various political families established in Bihar’s electoral scene.