The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is set to retain power in Bihar, according to eight exit polls released after the state elections. The Dainik Bhaskar exit poll projects the NDA to secure between 145 and 160 seats, while Matrize estimates a slightly higher range of 147 to 167 seats. With the majority mark in the 243-member Bihar Assembly set at 122, these projections suggest a comfortable return for the ruling alliance.
Political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor, however, appears to have failed to make an impact. His Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) has been given between 0 and 3 seats across most surveys, with Matrize predicting just 0 to 2. Other pollsters — including Chanakya Strategies, JVC, P-Marq, and People’s Insight — have also suggested that Kishor’s party will not cross the double-digit mark. Meanwhile, the opposition Mahagathbandhan (INDIA bloc) trails far behind, with projections ranging from 73 to 103 seats across different agencies.
While the exit polls indicate a clear edge for the NDA, past experiences have shown that such predictions can be unreliable. Analysts caution that the final results could still hold surprises. Regardless of the outcome, this election is expected to mark the end of an era in Bihar politics, as it is widely seen as the last electoral battle for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who has led the state for nearly two decades.
