Shah’s Silent Operation: How Micro-Management Secured NDA’s Bihar Sweep

As vote counting for the Bihar Assembly Elections continues, early trends indicate a comfortable lead for the ruling NDA, leaving the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, headed by Tejashwi Yadav, struggling to catch up. Veteran leader and longest-serving Chief Minister Nitish Kumar appears poised for yet another term at the helm.

Preliminary trends suggest that the Nitish-led NDA has comfortably crossed the majority mark, likely securing over 150 of the 243 assembly seats. In contrast, the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan is finding it difficult to match its previous performance, with the Congress failing to deliver the expected support needed to propel Lalu Prasad Yadav’s son to the Chief Minister’s chair.

Tejashwi Yadav continues to lead from his family bastion of Raghopur, while his estranged elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav—recently expelled from the RJD and now representing his own Janta Janata Dal (JJD)—is trailing significantly in Mahua. Both constituencies fall within Vaishali district.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has described the elections as a “model poll,” highlighting zero repolls and record voter turnout. Counting is underway at 46 centres across 38 districts, with over 4,300 counting tables staffed by supervisors, assistants, and micro-observers, alongside more than 18,000 candidate-appointed counting agents. Security is tight, with CAPF personnel guarding strongrooms, district police managing outer perimeters, and continuous CCTV surveillance with dedicated control rooms ensuring transparency.

Political tensions ran high on the eve of counting. RJD CM candidate Tejashwi Yadav warned that party workers were “fully prepared to resist any unconstitutional activity during counting,” while RJD leader Sunil Kumar Singh cautioned of a potential “Nepal-like situation” if disruptions occurred, referring to the chaotic 2020 polls. The BJP dismissed these concerns, accusing the opposition of “desperation” and asserting that the people’s verdict was already favoring the NDA. State BJP president Dilip Jaiswal expressed confidence in a smooth and peaceful counting process.

In a late administrative development, the ECI replaced Lalit Bhushan Ranjan, the returning officer of the Chenari constituency, with Zafar Hasan, the district land acquisition officer of Rohtas, citing the move as being “in the interest of transparency.”

Exit polls had largely predicted an NDA victory, boosting confidence within the ruling camp. Union Minister Nityanand Rai said the trends reflected the people’s trust in the Nitish-led alliance and predicted results that could surpass expectations. Meanwhile, Congress MP Imraan Masood and Purnea MP Pappu Yadav of the Mahagathbandhan dismissed the forecasts, insisting their alliance would form the next government.

With the Model Code of Conduct extended in Patna district until November 16 and a complete ban on victory processions, authorities are taking strict measures to ensure law and order as results continue to come in.

Nov 15, 2025 10:24 IST
After 202-Seat Sweep, NDA Begins Hunt for Bihar’s Next CM
Following the NDA’s emphatic victory in the Bihar Assembly elections, securing 202 seats, discussions have intensified over who will assume the role of the next Chief Minister. The alliance, which did not project a Chief Ministerial face during the campaign, is now holding a series of crucial meetings to finalise its leadership for the new government.
According to sources, top leaders of the NDA have begun deliberations in both Delhi and Patna, signalling the start of a decisive phase in the government formation process. The unexpected and sweeping mandate has left the Opposition’s Mahagathbandhan in disarray, struggling to regroup after a crushing defeat.
Amid the political buzz, the key question dominating the state’s political landscape is whether Nitish Kumar will once again take charge as Chief Minister. The speculation gained further traction after Bihar BJP president Samrat Choudhary visited Nitish Kumar at his residence on Friday evening.
With back-to-back strategy meetings underway, insider reports suggest that the NDA leadership will soon arrive at a consensus candidate. As discussions continue, the entire state waits to see who will be chosen to lead Bihar in the new term.



Nov 15, 2025 09:25 IST
The Shah Factor: 46 Meetings That Changed Bihar’s Election
Alinagar in Darbhanga was hardly on the national radar — until the BJP picked Maithili Thakur, a young folk sensation with a huge youth fan base, as its candidate for the Bihar Assembly elections. Her sudden rise created ripples within the party’s local ecosystem. Veteran workers, feeling sidelined, threatened to revolt, putting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push to give young faces a bigger role at risk. Read More



Nov 14, 2025 22:24 IST
Rahul Gandhi's first reaction on Mahagathbandhan defeat
Rahul Gandhi posted on X, “I express my heartfelt gratitude to those millions of voters in Bihar who expressed their trust in the Mahagathbandhan. This result in Bihar is truly surprising. We could not achieve victory in an election that was not fair from the very beginning. This fight is for the protection of the Constitution and democracy. The Congress Party and the INDIA alliance will deeply review this result and make their efforts to save democracy even more effective.”



Nov 14, 2025 22:02 IST
Md Shahabuddin's son Osama Shahab wins from Raghunathpur
Osama Shahab, son of deceased gangster-turned-politician Mohammad Shahabuddin, who was a several-term MP from Siwan, won from the Raghunathpur assembly seat in Bihar.
According to the EC website, RJD candidate Osama Shahab defeated his nearest rival, Vikas Kumar Singh of the JD(U), by a margin of 9,248 votes. Shahab bagged 88,278 votes, while Singh secured 79,030 votes.
Top NDA leaders had criticised the RJD’s move to field Osama in the assembly polls and alleged that the decision to nominate him indicated the “return of jungle raj”.



Nov 14, 2025 21:57 IST
AIMIM bags five seats in Bihar
Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM managed to win five seats in the Bihar assembly polls.
The party, which wields considerable influence in the Muslim-dominated Seemanchal region, contested 29 of the 243 assembly seats. Twenty-four of the seats it contested are in the Seemanchal region.
AIMIM’s Akhtarul Iman won from the Amour seat by 38,928 votes. He polled 1,00,836 votes.
Md Sarawar Alam bagged Kochadhaman by 23,021 votes, polling a total of 81,860 votes.
Ghulam Sarwar secured the Baisi seat by 27,251 votes, polling a total of 92,766 votes. Mohammad Murshid Alam won Jokihat by 28,803 votes, polling 83,737 votes. 



Nov 14, 2025 21:56 IST
Rahul Gandhi reacts to poll outcome, calls results 'surprising'
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called the Bihar election results “truly surprising”, stating, “We could not achieve victory in an election that was not fair from the very beginning.”
The Congress only managed to get six seats so far in the elections.



Nov 14, 2025 21:36 IST
JD(U) Dominates Bihar Polls with 85 Seats; NDA Secures 202 in Resounding Win
In a decisive triumph for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United), the party clinched 72 seats and maintained leads in 13 others across the 101 constituencies it contested in the 2025 Bihar Assembly Election, pushing its tally to 85 as per the latest Election Commission updates released on Friday.
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) as a whole swept to victory with 202 seats, bolstered by the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) haul of 72 seats.
On the opposition front, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) managed to secure 20 seats while leading in five more, and the Congress won three constituencies with leads in six additional ones. The CPI(ML) Liberation claimed one seat and was ahead in two others.



Nov 14, 2025 19:43 IST
PM takes a Dig At Rahul Gandhi
"They created a fake perception of Bihar. Those who can call the term chhath puja drama, how can they work for Bihar's growth? People of Bihar will never forgive these people," said PM Modi in a dig at Rahul Gandhi.



Nov 14, 2025 19:38 IST
"Those On Bail Won't Get People's Support," Says PM Modi
"People of Bihar have shown that those on bail will not get their support," said PM Modi. 
He added, "Now, our young voters take the purification of voter rolls (SIR) very seriously. In this year's Bihar election, people celebrated the elections like festivals. Earlier, during 'jungle raaj', there used to be boot capturing, ballot box used to be looted. In these elections, there was a record voter turnout. There used to be repolling. And this time, there was no need for a repoll."



Nov 14, 2025 19:26 IST
"Make Makana Kheer Today": PM Modi
As NDA moves forward with victory in Bihar, PM Modi urged everyone to make makhana kheer today.



Nov 14, 2025 19:26 IST
"No Entry To Katta Sarkaar," Says PM Modi
PM Narendra Modi claimed, "There will be no entry to katta sarkaar anymore. People of Bihar have voted for development. They have broken all records."



Nov 14, 2025 18:41 IST
Amit Shah Reaches BJP Headquarters as NDA Celebrates Landmark Bihar Victory
Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived at the BJP headquarters on Friday, greeting cheering party workers as celebrations kicked off over the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) projected historic win in Bihar.
BJP national president JP Nadda also made his way to the party office, acknowledging the enthusiastic supporters gathered as the alliance surged ahead with a commanding lead in the Assembly polls.



Nov 14, 2025 18:41 IST
Chirag Paswan Backs Nitish Kumar to Stay on as Bihar CM
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan on Friday expressed confidence that Nitish Kumar would continue as Bihar’s Chief Minister, as early trends indicated a decisive win for the NDA in the Assembly elections.
Taking a swipe at the opposition, Paswan said the Tejashwi Yadav–Rahul Gandhi-led Mahagathbandhan had paid the price for what he termed its “arrogant” approach. According to him, the poll outcome shows that voters have once again placed their trust in the NDA’s cohesion.
Paswan further noted that the alliance’s impressive lead underscored the influence of the “double-engine government” driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre and Nitish Kumar in the state.



Nov 14, 2025 18:37 IST
‘Bow to voters, PM Modi’: Nitish Kumar’s first response after sweeping Bihar mandate
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, reacting for the first time after the NDA’s landslide victory in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, issued a message of gratitude and unity on X.
Kumar said the people of Bihar had delivered an overwhelming mandate, reaffirming their faith in his government. He extended his “respectful bow” to every voter, thanking them for the trust shown in the NDA alliance.
He also acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s support, noting that the alliance’s success was strengthened by the Prime Minister’s cooperation.
Highlighting the cohesion within the NDA, Kumar appreciated the roles played by key allies—Chirag Paswan, Jitan Ram Manjhi and Upendra Kushwaha—in securing the historic win.
Nitish Kumar added that with collective effort and the mandate received, the government aims to accelerate Bihar’s development and push the state toward becoming one of the most advanced in the country.
 
बिहार विधान सभा चुनाव-2025 में राज्यवासियों ने हमें भारी बहुमत देकर हमारी सरकार के प्रति विश्वास जताया है। इसके लिए राज्य के सभी सम्मानित मतदाताओं को मेरा नमन, हृदय से आभार एवं धन्यवाद।

आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र मोदी जी को उनसे मिले सहयोग के लिए उनका नमन करते हुए हृदय…
— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) November 14, 2025
 



Nov 14, 2025 18:29 IST
Bihar Elections: AIMIM Wins 4 Seats, Leads in 1 More
The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has delivered an impressive performance in the Bihar Assembly elections, securing four seats and maintaining a lead in one more, further strengthening the party’s presence in the state.
In Jokihat, Mohammad Murshid Alam emerged victorious with a margin of 28,803 votes.
In Kochadhaman, Mohammad Sarwar Alam won by 23,021 votes.
From Amour, party veteran Akhatarul Iman clinched a decisive victory by 38,928 votes.
In Bahadurganj, Md Tauseef Alam secured a win, adding to the party’s tally.
AIMIM is also leading in the Baisi constituency, giving the party momentum beyond its traditional pockets of influence.
Led by Asaduddin Owaisi, AIMIM’s strong showing has surprised many political observers, particularly as the party continues to outperform the Congress in several constituencies. AIMIM is currently ahead in five seats, while Congress leads in four.
The results mark a significant milestone for AIMIM as it expands its political footprint in Bihar.



Nov 14, 2025 18:25 IST
Celebrations in Delhi as BJP Workers Rejoice; PM Modi Reaches Party Headquarters After Bihar Victory
Delhi witnessed scenes of celebration as BJP leaders and workers erupted in joy following the party’s strong performance in the Bihar Assembly elections. Soon after the victory trends became clear, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the BJP headquarters to join the celebrations.



Nov 14, 2025 18:24 IST
Maithili Thakur Wins Alinagar Seat; RJD’s Binod Mishra Trails
Maithili Thakur has secured a decisive victory in the Alinagar Assembly constituency, becoming an MLA at the age of 25 years, 3 months, and 20 days. She polled 84,915 votes, finishing 11,730 votes ahead of her nearest rival.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate Binod Mishra is trailing significantly in the constituency, unable to close the gap as counting progresses.
Thakur’s win marks a major breakthrough for a young face in Bihar politics, drawing widespread attention for both her age and her electoral performance.



Nov 14, 2025 18:12 IST
Anand Mishra: Assam’s ‘Singham’ Now an MLA in Bihar
Former Assam Police officer Anand Mishra, widely known as the state’s “Singham” for his tough and dynamic policing style, has registered a landslide victory from the Buxar constituency in the Bihar Assembly elections.
The BJP candidate secured 84,901 votes, defeating Congress candidate Sanjay Kumar Tiwari, who received 56,548 votes. Mishra won by a commanding margin of 28,353 votes.
Before joining politics, Mishra served as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Charaideo, Dhubri,Nagaon and Lakhimpur districts in Assam. He resigned from service while holding charge as SP of Lakhimpur, paving his way into active politics.
His electoral win has generated strong reactions both in Assam and Bihar, with supporters celebrating the rise of a former police officer known for bold decisions, strict law enforcement, and a no-nonsense public image.
Mishra’s transition from the police force to legislative politics marks a significant new chapter in his career.



Nov 14, 2025 18:11 IST
Bihar Election 2025: Jailed JD(U) Leader Anant Singh Wins Mokama Seat
Jailed Janata Dal (United) leader Anant Singh on Friday clinched victory from the Mokama assembly seat in Bihar’s Patna district, defeating his rivals by a significant margin. Singh secured 91,416 votes, winning by 28,206 votes over RJD candidate Veena Devi, wife of former MP Surajbhan Singh, who polled 63,210 votes. Jan Suraaj Party nominee Priadarshi Piyush finished third with 19,365 votes.
Singh, a prominent and controversial political figure in the region, was arrested ahead of polling in connection with the alleged murder of Jan Suraaj supporter Dularchand Yadav, Patna SSP Kartikeya Sharma said. He was taken into custody along with associates Manikant Thakur and Ranjeet Ram, and produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Patna.
Mokama, known for its long history of being dominated by influential “strongmen” or bahubalis, once again witnessed a high-stakes contest featuring heavyweight rivals such as Anant Singh and Surajbhan Singh.



Nov 14, 2025 18:08 IST
NOTA Vote Share Rises Slightly in 2025 Bihar Polls, Still Far Below 2015 Peak
The “None of the Above” (NOTA) option saw a marginal increase in vote share in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections compared with 2020, though it remains significantly lower than the peak recorded in 2015, Election Commission data shows. Polling for the 243-seat Assembly was held in two phases on November 6 and 11.
NOTA accounted for 1.81% of the total votes this year, translating to 6,65,870 ballots. This marks a small rise from 1.68% in 2020 but is still well below the 2.48% recorded in 2015, when voter dissatisfaction manifested more strongly through the NOTA button.
The election results indicate a decisive mandate for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which is on track to win nearly 200 seats. The BJP is emerging as the single-largest party with an impressive strike rate of around 95%.
Meanwhile, the opposition Mahagathbandhan — comprising the RJD, Congress, and three Left parties — struggled to cross the 35-seat mark, reflecting a steep decline in its electoral performance.
The NOTA trend suggests a slight increase in protest voting in 2025, though not at the levels seen a decade earlier.



Nov 14, 2025 18:07 IST
NDA Poised for Landslide Victory in Bihar; Tejashwi Yadav Takes Lead in Raghopur
The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is heading towards a resounding victory in the Bihar Assembly elections, with early trends suggesting the coalition could win over 200 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is emerging as the single-largest party, having already secured 16 seats and leading in 75 more. The Janata Dal (United) has won 10 seats and is ahead in 74 constituencies.
Celebrations erupted in Patna as jubilant BJP and JD(U) supporters distributed sweets, confident of the alliance’s sweeping performance.
In a rare moment of relief for the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), its leader and Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial face, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, who earlier trailed, has now taken a lead of over 13,000 votes in Raghopur.
Other NDA partners—LJP (Ram Vilas), Hindustan Awam Morcha, and RLM—are also delivering strong results.
Meanwhile, the opposition Mahagathbandhan is witnessing significant setbacks. The RJD has won four seats and is leading in 21, while the Congress has secured one victory and holds leads in four more. AIMIM has won two seats and is ahead in three constituencies.



Nov 14, 2025 17:31 IST
‘Where Rahul Gandhi Goes, BJP Wins’: Himanta Biswa Sarma Jabs Opposition
Commenting on the Bihar mandate, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the results reaffirm that the BJP will perform even better in Assam.
“Wherever Rahul Gandhi goes, BJP wins. In fact, Rahul Gandhi is now the BJP’s star campaigner,” Sarma remarked. He added that the outcome in Bihar has strengthened the belief that Assam’s results will be “even better” than Bihar’s.
Taking a dig at the opposition, Sarma said, “The alliances being formed by opposition parties are only for fixing marriage dates, not for elections. Wherever Akhil Gogoi goes, he will spoil the situation—like pouring salt into milk. There’s nothing to worry about.” Read More



Nov 14, 2025 15:55 IST
Bihar Assembly By-Election Trends 2025: BJP Leads Big, JD(U) Fights Close
Early trends from the Bihar Assembly by-elections indicate a strong lead for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is currently leading in 96 out of 243 constituencies. The Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) follows closely with 84 leads, while the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is ahead in 24 constituencies.
Other parties making their presence felt include the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (LJPRV) with 19 leads, All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) at 6, and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) (HAMS) with 5 leads. Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RSHTLKM) and others are leading in 4 constituencies each, while the Indian National Congress and smaller parties have minimal leads so far.
The results map reveals a clear dominance of BJP in northern and central Bihar, while JD(U) retains pockets of influence in the south and east. RJD’s presence is concentrated in central Bihar, with scattered strongholds elsewhere.
With only 1 seat officially won so far, the election battle remains dynamic, and final results are expected later today as counting progresses. The early trends suggest that BJP is likely to consolidate its position, while opposition parties will need strong performances in the remaining constituencies to challenge the ruling party’s momentum.
The trends come amid heightened political attention, as these by-elections are seen as a litmus test for party strengths ahead of the next general assembly elections in Bihar.



Nov 14, 2025 15:48 IST
Maithili, 25, Makes Political Splash: Leads Alinagar in Early Trends
First-time BJP candidate Maithili, 25, is leading from the Alinagar constituency in early trends, capturing attention with her blend of cultural charisma and youthful energy. A classically trained folk and devotional singer, Maithili has long been the cultural face of Mithila, but her political debut has brought her into the local and national spotlight. Read More



Nov 14, 2025 14:26 IST
“Opposition Loves EVMs Only When They Win,” Says UP Minister Daya Shankar Singh
As the NDA continues its strong showing in the Bihar assembly elections, Uttar Pradesh Minister Daya Shankar Singh took a dig at the opposition, highlighting the alliance’s development record in the state.
“PM Modi’s development reached Bihar through Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi, but here, Nitish Kumar’s work on electricity, health, and water, supported by the Prime Minister, has earned full public backing,” Singh said. “When the opposition loses, they make excuses; when they win, they suddenly like EVMs and the Election Commission.”
The remarks underline the ruling alliance’s confidence as trends point to a decisive mandate for Nitish Kumar and the NDA, while also reflecting the political jabs that often accompany election outcomes.



Nov 14, 2025 14:25 IST
JD(U) Bihar Chief Umesh Kushwaha Credits NDA’s Connect with Voters
As early trends point to a comfortable victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Bihar assembly elections, JD(U) Bihar President Umesh Kushwaha emphasized the alliance’s strong bond with the electorate.
“People know who genuinely care for voters and who are there only to harvest votes,” Kushwaha said, highlighting the trust and support the NDA has earned across the state.
The remarks come amid the Nitish Kumar-led alliance’s impressive performance, with the JD(U)-BJP partnership on track to secure a significant majority.



Nov 14, 2025 14:24 IST
PM Modi to Address BJP Workers After NDA’s Stunning Bihar Showing
As the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) heads toward a historic victory in the Bihar assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address Bharatiya Janata Party workers this evening at the party headquarters in New Delhi. The NDA’s commanding lead reflects renewed public confidence in both Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the Prime Minister, with the alliance on course to surpass its 2010 performance. Current trends show the Nitish Kumar-led bloc at 197 seats, while the opposition collectively holds 39 seats.
For Nitish Kumar, whose nearly two-decade-long tenure has seen both praise and voter fatigue, this election was widely viewed as a test of resilience. Once lauded as “Sushashan Babu” for steering Bihar away from what was dubbed the “jungle raj,” he has recently faced scrutiny over shifting political alliances. Today’s trends, however, suggest a resurgence of voter trust in his governance model.
The reinvigorated BJP–JD(U) alliance, strengthened by PM Modi’s nationwide appeal and Kumar’s strong grassroots presence, has dominated the campaign. The focus on welfare schemes, infrastructure development, and political stability has struck a chord with voters. The NDA has also emphasized the contrast between past election violence and the peaceful conduct of the 2025 polls, highlighting improvements in law and order. Nitish Kumar’s enduring popularity, rooted in development-focused policies and inclusive growth, continues to resonate across communities.



Nov 14, 2025 14:15 IST
JD(U) Supporters Celebrate as NDA Trends Toward Sweeping Victory in Bihar
Supporters of Janata Dal (United) erupted in celebrations outside the party headquarters in Patna as trends indicated a decisive win for the National Democratic Alliance in the Bihar assembly elections. JD(U) workers enthusiastically distributed sweets to mark the moment. Party leader Chotu Singh congratulated Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, describing the atmosphere at the office as festive. “We congratulate Nitish Kumar. The people of Bihar have given him victory. It feels like we are celebrating Holi and Diwali together,” he said.
 




Nov 14, 2025 14:13 IST
Former IPS officer Anand Mishra Set to Become MLA
BJP candidate Anand Mishra is leading by a significant margin. From the Buxar constituency, former IPS officer Anand Mishra is ahead of Congress candidate Sanjay Tiwari by 19,924 votes.



Nov 14, 2025 14:06 IST
Fierce Contest in Raghopur: Tejashwi Yadav Trails
In the Raghopur constituency, a tense battle is underway between BJP and RJD. RJD’s Chief Ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav is currently trailing, with BJP candidate Satish Kumar leading by a margin of 2,288 votes.



Nov 14, 2025 14:05 IST
Nitish Kumar Poised for Another Term as Bihar CM; Vote Counting Continues
Vote counting in Bihar is ongoing. According to the latest data from the Election Commission:
• BJP: 91 seats

• JD(U): 82 seats

• RJD: 25 seats

• LJP(RV): 21 seats

• AIMIM: 5 seats

• HAMS: 5 seats

• INC: 4 seats

• Others: 10 seats
The trends indicate Nitish Kumar is once again in the race for the Chief Minister’s post.