Bihar Election Results 2025: NDA makes major gains in Muslim-dominated seats, MGB far behind

Early trends from Friday’s counting in the Bihar Assembly elections showed the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) making notable inroads in several Muslim-majority constituencies.

Initial figures suggest the NDA is poised to win at least 16 such seats, with chief minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) emerging as the biggest gainer within the alliance. The JD(U) is ahead in roughly eight more seats compared to the 2020 polls. Chirag Paswan’s LJP (RV) is also performing well and is currently leading in six seats with significant Muslim voter bases.

In contrast, the Mahagathbandhan is struggling despite a campaign focused on employment and projecting a new face for the chief minister’s post.


Mahagathbandhan Falters in Traditional Strongholds
As per the latest trends, the RJD is set to lose seven Muslim-dominated seats it had secured in the 2020 Assembly elections, while the Congress is trailing in four similar seats it previously held.

In 2020, the RJD had won 18 of these constituencies, and the Congress had captured six.

Historically, Muslim voters have backed secular coalitions, supporting parties that project inclusivity. A 2022 Bihar survey showed Muslims account for 17.7% of the population, with nearly 80% of Muslim votes going to the MGB in 2015 and 77% in 2020.

NDA Crosses Majority Mark; MGB Struggles to Keep Pace

According to updated numbers, the NDA moved past the majority threshold early in the day, with both the BJP and JD(U) registering solid performances. While the RJD remains the stronger party within the Mahagathbandhan, it still trails the NDA’s expansive gains.

Jan Suraaj, meanwhile, has not made a significant appearance in the early trends, with its vote share remaining minimal and having little effect on closely contested seats.

Counting Conducted Under Tight Security

The counting process is being monitored by 243 Returning Officers and an equal number of Counting Observers appointed by the Election Commission.

More than 18,000 counting agents representing different candidates are stationed across counting centres to oversee the procedure.

Access to counting centres is strictly controlled, with only those carrying authorized passes allowed entry. The use of mobile phones within counting halls is completely banned.

High Voter Turnout Marks the Election

The election saw enthusiastic participation from over 7 crore voters, who cast their ballots to decide the future of both the ruling NDA and the Mahagathbandhan. Polling took place in two phases on November 6 and 11.

[With TOI inputs]