Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Tuesday hailed the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections as "historic", highlighting the unprecedented participation of over 7.5 crore voters in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls, facilitated by grassroots election workers and
JD(U) claimed the people of Bihar have given the NDA a "historic mandate," expressing confidence ahead of the results. Taking a dig at the Opposition, the party said many will now "blame EVMs" and make excuses for their defeat.
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.
"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.
Jaiswal's remarks come as Bihar recorded a turnout of 47.62 per cent in the second phase of Assembly polls as of 1 pm, according to the data of the Election Commission of India.
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 after casting his vote, Keshri said, "Women are voting in large numbers for a fearless Bihar. In the festival of democracy today in Bihar, people are voting, keeping in mind a government of good governance."