Patna: The outcome of the Bihar Assembly elections will be revealed today, with counting commencing at 8am across 46 centers in 38 districts. Security measures have been heightened, including the deployment of water cannons outside the counting center in Motihari, as officials prepare for one of the state’s most scrutinized vote counts in years. The counting of postal ballots will take place first, anticipated to be completed by 8:30am, after which electronic voting machines (EVMs) will be opened. Each round will count 14 EVMs, with 14 tables allocated at every center. Barbigha is predicted to announce its results first.
By noon, the outcomes for most of the 2,616 candidates—including 29 ministers and 15 individuals with criminal backgrounds, such as Anant Singh—will likely be mostly clear. This year’s two-phase election saw a voter turnout of 67.10%, nearly 10 percentage points higher than in 2020, reflecting the highest participation in recent assembly elections. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha described it as “the most historically significant day of the grand festival of democracy,” emphasizing that the mandate would promote “a developed Bihar.” Conversely, RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari claimed the NDA is in its “final hours,” asserting that the Grand Alliance is poised to form the next government. NDA leaders, however, remain optimistic.
State Minister Prem Kumar forecasted that the alliance would secure “over 200 seats,” citing robust public support for development and women-focused initiatives. In Patna, counting will occur at AN College, where 244 tables have been arranged. The district magistrate affirmed that the process would be conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner. EVMs were opened from the strong room in the presence of candidates, election agents, and central observers prior to the counting. Initial trends are expected by 10am, with the first results likely available after noon. Throughout the state, candidates have been collecting feedback from supporters, with many anticipating victory while others prepare for a tense wait.
