As the votes for the Lok Sabha elections are being counted, it is becoming clear that the National Democratic Alliance candidates are leading in 33 of the 40 Lok Sabha seats of Bihar. According to recent trends, candidates from Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal United (JD(U)) are ahead in a remarkable 15 seats, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates leading in 12 seats.
Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) is leading in 5 seats while Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha (Democratic) also holds an edge in the Gaya seat. As for the opposition Mahagathbandhan, their candidates are ahead in nine seats, with the Lalu Yadav-led Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidates leading in five, the CPI(ML) in two, and the Congress in one seat.
These outcomes are seen as a vindication for Nitish Kumar, responding to questions about his credibility. This election cycle saw the BJP contesting more seats within the NDA alliance for the first time. The BJP put forth candidates in 17 out of the 40 seats, while JD(U) was allocated 16 seats. Chirag Paswan's party fielded candidates in six seats, and the Hindustani Awam Morcha in one.
Even with fewer seats contested, JD(U) is currently leading in the highest number across the coalition. If these trends transform into results, it will be a significant boost for Nitish Kumar. Notably, exit polls had predicted losses for his party, forecasting JD(U) behind the BJP and RJD in seat count.
How the 2019 results turned out
Reflecting on the 2019 election results, both the BJP and JD(U) had fought for 17 seats each. The BJP won all of its 17 seats, and JD(U) claimed victory in 16. Chirag Paswan's party won all six of its allotted seats. NDA swept 39 of the 40 seats, with Congress winning just one seat in Kishanganj.
