Patna, November 12, 2025: The high-stakes Bihar assembly elections of 2025, held in two phases on November 6 and November 11, are now at the cusp of their culmination, with the counting of votes scheduled for Friday, November 14. The announcement of results by the Election Commission of India (ECI) will determine the political landscape of one of India’s most politically vibrant states, where competition has been intense between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the opposition Mahagathbandhan, comprising Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and allies.

This year’s elections have seen unprecedented voter engagement. The second phase of polling, which concluded on November 11, recorded a historic voter turnout of 69.12 percent, the highest in the state’s electoral history. Combined with the first phase’s 64.66 percent turnout, the elections reflect a deeply engaged electorate, signaling the stakes involved in determining Bihar’s future governance. The state assembly, consisting of 243 seats, requires a party or coalition to secure at least 122 seats to form a government, placing the contest between the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan firmly in the spotlight.

When and How Will Results Be Announced?

According to official notifications from the Election Commission of India, counting of votes will commence at 8:00 am on Friday, November 14. Counting will be conducted across designated counting centers in various districts, overseen by returning officers and officials from the ECI to ensure transparency and accuracy. The results will be collated electronically, and while trends are often visible by early evening, the formal declaration may sometimes be announced the following day after all constituency data is compiled.

The counting process is meticulous. Votes cast through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and, in some constituencies, postal ballots from service personnel and overseas voters, will be verified and tabulated. Officials will ensure that every vote is accurately accounted for before issuing certificates of election to the winning candidates. Observers and security personnel will be deployed at counting centers to maintain order and prevent any untoward incidents during this crucial phase of the electoral process.

The Two Phases of Bihar Voting

Bihar’s elections were conducted in two distinct phases. The first phase, on November 6, covered 121 constituencies across 18 districts. This phase saw a marked increase in voter participation, with 64.66 percent of eligible voters exercising their franchise compared to 57.29 percent in 2020. Districts involved in the first phase included parts of Patna, Nalanda, Rohtas, Gaya, and Munger, among others. The high turnout reflected a competitive political environment, with parties intensifying campaigns to reach voters through rallies, door-to-door interactions, and digital outreach.

The second phase, held on November 11, included the remaining 122 constituencies spread over 20 districts, including key areas such as Gaya, Jamui, Purnia, and Bhagalpur. This phase witnessed the highest voter turnout in the state’s history at 69.12 percent, indicating robust public engagement. Analysts have noted that such high participation rates often favor parties with strong grassroots presence and well-organized booth-level operations. The high turnout also underscores the public’s enthusiasm to influence governance at a time when developmental promises, employment, infrastructure, and law-and-order issues have dominated the election discourse.

Major Contestants and Alliances

The Bihar assembly elections have primarily centered on the battle between the incumbent NDA and the Mahagathbandhan. The NDA, a coalition of the JD(U), BJP, and smaller allies like the LJP (RV) and HAM(S), campaigned heavily on the narrative of governance, development initiatives, and law-and-order reforms implemented in the past decade. Party leaders highlighted infrastructure development, improvements in healthcare and education, and welfare schemes targeting women and marginalized communities as key achievements to win voter confidence.

On the other side, the Mahagathbandhan, led by Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD and including Congress, VIP, and leftist parties, positioned itself as a viable alternative, emphasizing social justice, equitable development, and inclusive governance. RJD’s campaign heavily focused on appealing to young voters, backward classes, and communities that have historically been a part of its support base. Congress, seeking to regain political relevance in Bihar, stressed secularism, economic development, and job creation for youth as key points in its campaign.

New entrants, such as Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party, also participated, though exit polls and surveys indicated limited electoral impact. Meanwhile, Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM attempted to expand its presence in select constituencies, primarily targeting minority-dominated pockets. However, the focus of most media attention and political analysis remains on the battle between the NDA and Mahagathbandhan due to the scale of their organizational machinery and voter base.

What Do Exit Polls Indicate?

Several exit polls conducted over the past week have suggested a comfortable lead for the NDA, predicting a range of 121–141 seats for the coalition. Conversely, the Mahagathbandhan was projected to secure 98–118 seats, indicating a close contest in certain constituencies but trailing overall. Despite the numerical advantage predicted for the NDA, surveys have consistently shown Tejashwi Yadav as the preferred choice for the chief minister’s post among voters, highlighting the nuanced nature of Bihar’s political landscape where seat share and leadership preference may not always align.

Analysts have noted that while exit polls provide a snapshot, voter behavior can be unpredictable. Regional issues, last-minute campaign strategies, and voter sentiment on polling day often influence the final results. The counting of votes on November 14 will therefore provide the definitive verdict on the composition of Bihar’s next assembly.

Voter Engagement and Participation

The historic voter turnout reflects the increased political engagement of the electorate, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. Women voters participated in large numbers, and young voters under the age of 35 also significantly influenced the outcomes in several constituencies. Political analysts have suggested that high participation rates generally signal that voters are motivated to bring about change or support developmental agendas actively.

The Election Commission of India undertook extensive measures to facilitate voting, including deploying EVMs, ensuring accessibility for differently-abled voters, and implementing strict COVID-19 safety protocols where necessary. Security arrangements were bolstered with police deployment across sensitive constituencies to prevent disruptions, voter intimidation, or any untoward incidents.

Importance of Bihar Assembly Elections

Bihar, one of India’s largest and most politically significant states, has historically been a bellwether for national politics. The assembly elections determine governance for the next five years and influence policy decisions affecting infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, and social welfare programs. The outcome also has implications for the political strategies of major national parties ahead of general elections.

The state’s assembly of 243 seats demands a majority of 122 to form a government. The formation of government and allocation of portfolios will be closely watched by analysts, as alliances and post-poll negotiations can play a critical role in ensuring stability in the state. A decisive mandate would enable the winning coalition to implement its policies without significant opposition hurdles, whereas a fractured verdict could trigger negotiations and potential alliances between parties to form a government.

Preparations for Counting Day

Election officials and security agencies have made elaborate preparations for November 14. Counting centers have been equipped with electronic counting machines, CCTV surveillance, and real-time reporting systems. District magistrates and returning officers have been tasked with supervising the process, ensuring transparency and adherence to rules. Security personnel will be stationed at all centers to prevent any disturbances, and arrangements have been made to facilitate smooth movement of candidates, political observers, and media personnel.

Voters, political analysts, and party workers are eagerly anticipating the counting day, which promises to be a moment of high drama and suspense. The result will not only determine the next government in Bihar but also serve as a barometer of public sentiment toward the ruling coalition and opposition, potentially influencing political dynamics at the national level.

Conclusion

As Bihar waits for November 14, the focus remains on the counting of votes, which will officially reveal the will of the electorate. With historic voter turnout, a closely contested battle between two major coalitions, and emerging smaller parties adding to the electoral dynamics, the results are expected to have far-reaching political consequences. Citizens, political parties, and observers across India will watch closely as the Election Commission of India completes the meticulous process of counting, declaring the composition of Bihar’s 17th Legislative Assembly, and determining the future of governance in one of India’s most politically crucial states.