Counting of votes for the Bihar assembly election 2025 will begin at 8 am on Friday. Early trends could emerge within a few hours, especially if the exit polls — which predicted a sweep for the ruling NDA led by JD(U) and BJP — prove accurate.
The outcome will decide whether Nitish Kumar, Bihar’s longest-serving chief minister, secures yet another term or if the Mahagathbandhan of RJD, Congress, and other INDIA bloc allies led by Tejashwi Yadav can pull off a surprise victory.
Opposition raises fraud allegations
Even as counting preparations were underway, the opposition renewed its allegations of possible electoral fraud, pointing out that exit polls have often been wrong in previous elections. The RJD and Congress leaders have accused the Election Commission and state administration of bias, urging vigilance during the counting process.
EC’s counting arrangements
According to the Election Commission (EC), vote counting will take place at 46 centres across 38 districts. Nearly 7.4 crore voters cast their votes to decide the fate of over 2,600 candidates.
Polling, held in two phases on November 6 and 11, witnessed a record 67% turnout — the highest in Bihar’s electoral history since 1951.
Security measures tightened
On the eve of counting, security was intensified at all counting centres, including at AN College in Patna, where additional paramilitary and state police forces have been deployed.
Voting machines are kept in sealed strongrooms under a “double-lock system” and 24-hour CCTV surveillance. The EC stated that the entire counting process will be videographed in the presence of central observers and representatives of the candidates, to ensure transparency.
Restrictions in place
The Model Code of Conduct remains in effect until November 16. Authorities in Patna have imposed prohibitory orders, banning political processions, demonstrations, and public gatherings to prevent any untoward incidents during or after the results.
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