The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is poised to form the government again in Bihar, exit poll results showed on Tuesday, predicting that the opposition Mahagathbandhan would fall short of the majority mark in the 243-member state assembly.
As voting for the Bihar Assembly polls concluded on Tuesday, exit polls have predicted a return for the NDA's alliance with a clear majority by securing 130 to 160 seats. Mahagathbadhan, despite all its promises to bring change to Bihar, may fall short with only 70 to 100 seats.
A 111-year-old woman, Nasima Khatun, on Tuesday cast her vote at a polling booth in Chhatapur assembly constituency in Supaul district in the second phase of the Bihar polls, exhibiting her commitment to the democratic exercise.
Meanwhile, Bihar recorded a turnout of 60.40 per cent in the second phase of Assembly polls till 3 pm on Tuesday, according to data from the Election Commission.
"There was 65% of voting in the first phase of the elections, and we are hopeful that in the second phase too, the voting will not be less than around 65-66%. Around 80 of the 122 NDA candidates will win," Jitan Ram Manjhi said.
"With folded hands, I appeal to all the people of Bihar to definitely go to the polling station and cast your vote; the blue ink on your finger will work to make your future golden," Tejashwi Yadav said.
"I don't want to say anything as it should be investigated first. A thorough investigation has to take place. Yesterday's Delhi blast could have an impact on today's Bihar elections against the BJP. Bomb blasts should not happen. The loss of innocent lives is a sad matter," Siddaramaiah s
The state has also intensified security measures in the wake of the car blast at Delhi's Red Fort on Monday that killed eight and injured several, with international and inter-state borders sealed to prevent any untoward incident.
Amid ongoing polling for the second phase of elections in Bihar, Congress leader Pawan Khera on Tuesday termed the polls a contest between "real issues and jumlas (false promises)."
Speaking to reporters in Patna, Yadav said, "Mahua hamare naam se jaana jaata hai aur kisi ke naam se nahi. I see myself number 1 in Mahua (winning the Mahua seat)."