Bihar Election 2020 Highlights: Nitish Kumar gets CM's chair, BJP gets lion's share in ministerial pie

Nitish Kumar on Monday took oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar for the 7th time. The NDA on Sunday chose JD(U) president Nitish Kumar for another term as the Chief Minister. Bihar also got two deputy chief ministers in Tarkishore Prasad and Renu Devi, both from the BJP. While Nitish got the chair, the BJP got the lion's share in the ministerial pie. Thank you for following our updates on the political tussle during the Bihar Assembly elections. Stay tuned to DH for the latest news.

Thank you for following our updates on the political tussle during the Bihar Assembly elections. Stay tuned to DH for the latest news.

Nitish Kumar: Masterful craftsman of realpolitick who believes politics is the art of possible

The most atypical of politicians owing their rise to post-Mandal politics, Nitish Kumar stood out for his ability to address the governance deficit, unlike a majority of the breed reared in the socialist stable, but was often accused of pursuing politics of opportunism.

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BJP's NK Yadav to be new speaker of Bihar assembly

Yadav, a seven-term MLA from Patna Sahib, has been intimated about it by the party's leadership, they said.

He has served as a minister in all the previous NDA governments in Bihar. He was the minister for the Road Construction Department in the last government.

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Devendra Fadnavis hails Nitish Kumar after he takes oath as Bihar CM

Devendra Fadnavis, BJP's in-charge for Bihar Assembly polls who attended the swearing-in ceremony of Nitish Kumar and his ministers in Patna earlier in the day, took to Twitter to hail the party leaders and deputy chief minister-designates Tarkishore Prasad and Renu Devi, both from the BJP.

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At NDA’s swearing-in ceremony, Sushil Modi looked dejected

Otherwise a vibrant politician, Sushil Modi watched, not betraying much emotions, as Kumar and others were administered the oath of office.

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NDA will give pro-farmer, women, youth and development-oriented govt in Bihar: Nadda

Prashant Kishor takes a swipe at Nitish Kumar, says he is 'tired and politically belittled'

Once a close aide of Kumar, Kishor was made the JD(U) vice president by the party chief, but his independent and often adversarial views soured their relations and he was expelled from the party.

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I hope he (Nitish Kumar) makes NDA issues like education, employment, medicine, farming, etc the priority of his government and not the ambition of the seat, says RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav

Bihar will progress more under your leadership, former Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi on CM Nitish Kumar taking the CM's chair for the 7th time

The NDA family will work together for the progress of Bihar, says PM Narendra Modi as he congratulated Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar

I hope the government will complete its tenure and you will continue to be the Chief Minister of NDA, says LJP leader Chirag Paswan while congratulating Nitish Kumar

Mukesh Sahni of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) takes oath as a Cabinet Minister of Bihar.

Santosh Kumar Suman, son of Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi takes oath as a Cabinet Minister of Bihar.

Nitish Kumar returns as Bihar CM for seventh time in 20 years

The 69-year-old, who has had a continuous run since November, 2005, except for the period in 2014-15 when Jitan Ram Manjhi kept the chair warm for him, is on course to becoming the longest serving Chief Minister of the state, surpassing the record of Shrikrishna Singh who held the top post since before Independence till his death in 1961.

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JD(U) leaders Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Vijendra Prasad Yadav, Ashok Choudhary, and Mewa Lal Choudhary take oath as Cabinet Ministers of Bihar.

Oath-taking of the rest of Nitish 7.0 underway. Watch it live here:

Renu Devi from the BJP sworn-in as Bihar's second deputy chief minister

Tarkishore Prasad sworn-in as one of the two deputy chief ministers. Bihar to have two deputy chief ministers, both from the BJP.

WATCH: Nitish Kumar takes oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar for the seventh time - his fourth consecutive term. (ANI)

Nitish Kumar takes oath as the CM of Bihar for the seventh time

Bihar Governor Phagu Chauhan arrives at Raj Bhavan for the swearing-in ceremony of CM designate Nitish Kumar

Chief Minister designate Nitish Kumar arrives at Raj Bhavan in Patna. Kumar will take oath as the CM of Bihar for the seventh time today.

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis arrives at the party office in Patna

Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah arrives at party office in Patna. He is in the city to attend the swearing-in ceremony of CM designate Nitish Kumar

Nitish Kumar is born out of the rape and robbery of people's mandate by BJP, says RJD Bihar President Jagdanand Singh

It is Bihar leadership's fault for not using opportunity properly: Tariq Anwar

We need to discuss our performance in Bihar. Although, it is not the party's national issue but of Bihar alone. As far as central leadership is concerned, they supported us. It is Bihar leadership's fault for not using opportunity properly: Tariq Anwar, Congress on Kapil Sibal's tweet

RJD veteran Shivanand Tiwari stirs hornet's nest with Rahul's criticism, Cong hits back

The Congress' dismal performance in the Bihar assembly elections has drawn biting criticism from ally RJD, with party veteran leader Shivanand Tiwari saying the grand old party had "shackled" the 'Mahagathbandhan' in the state.

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RJD says they will boycott the oath-taking ceremony

RJD says they will boycott the oath-taking ceremony of Chief Minister-designate Nitish Kumar. "The public gave the mandate to change which is against the NDA," says the party. JDU chief Nitish Kumar will be sworn in as Bihar CM in Patna, later today.

Rahul Gandhi can't work like leaders of RJD: Tariq Anwar slams Shivanand Tiwari

Shivanand Tiwari is senior & must think before making such remarks. Congress isn't RJD. RJD is a regional party & its leaders are confined to Bihar. Rahul Gandhi had said he'll come to Bihar whenever needed & he did so. He can't work like leaders of RJD: Tariq Anwar, Congress

Analysis will be done on our lack of cooperation and synergy: RJD's Manoj Jha

It's his personal opinion & not the party's stand. There's a proper time & place for any analysis which will be done to identify where did we lack in cooperation & synergy: RJD's Manoj Jha on party leader Shivanand Tiwari's remark 'polls were in full swing & Rahul Gandhi was on a picnic'

It is a big responsibility, says Renu Devi on taking oath as Deputy CM of state

It is a big responsibility. If people have elected us and trusted the NDA, we will work to meet their expectations: BJP leader Renu Devi on being asked if she will take oath as Deputy CM of Bihar later today

There are indications that Renu ji (BJP leader Renu Devi) and I will take oath as Deputy Chief Ministers of Bihar: Bharatiya Janata Party leader Tarkishore Prasad

With a weakened Nitish as CM, BJP firmly in the driver’s seat

On Sunday afternoon, when the NDA meeting began at the official residence of Nitish Kumar – 1, Aney Marg, to elect the NDA Legislature Party leader, the two leaders on his left and right were Union Minister Rajnath Singh and Bihar JD (U) chief Basishtha Narayan Singh, respectively.

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Bihar debacle to harm Congress' future poll tie-ups

Bihar blues continue to haunt the Congress party after its show in the Assembly polls, which has exposed the party’s inability to pull up its socks during a crisis which ended up bringing down the Grand Alliance’s performance in the polls.

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Rahul Gandhi was on picnic in Shimla during Bihar Assembly election: RJD leader Shivanand Tiwari

Blaming Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for theGrand Alliance's loss in the Bihar Assembly elections, Rashtriya Janata Dal's (RJD) Shivanand Tiwari alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) benefited from the lack of management in Congress.

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Bihar debacle to harm Congress' future poll tie-ups

Bihar blues continue to haunt the Congress party after its show in the Assembly polls, which has exposed the party’s inability to pull up its socks during a crisis which ended up bringing down the Grand Alliance’s performance in the polls.

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BJP surprise selection in Bihar: Tarikishore Prasad, Renu Devi to be Deputy CMs

The fourth term Katihar MLA Tarkishore Prasad was on Sunday named as the BJP legislature party leader, indicating he could be Deputy Chief Minister in the new NDA government headed by Nitish Kumar.

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Nitish to return as CM again but without Sushil Modi as his deputy

The NDA on Sunday chose JD(U) president Nitish Kumar for another term as the Chief Minister of Bihar even as suspense hung over the fate of his most trusted man in the BJP Sushil Kumar Modi who has served as his deputy for a major part of his tenure so far.

Kumar's name was announced at 1, Anney Marg, the Chief Ministers official residence, by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh who had been sent from Delhi as the "observer" for the BJP, which has returned with the highest number of seats in the NDA in the assembly elections.

No one becomes big or small with post: BJP leaders to Sushil Modi

Amid suspense over the next deputy chief minister of Bihar, incumbent Sushil Modi's remark on Sunday that nobody can take the post of a party worker from him sparked reactions from BJP leaders.

Tagging Modi's tweet, Union Minister Giriraj Singh said that no one becomes big or small with a post.

Bihar Election 2020: Nitish Kumar may have two Deputy CMs this time

JD(U) president Nitish Kumar was elected leader of the NDA Legislature Party here on Sunday. He will take oath on Monday as the Bihar Chief Minister for the fourth straight term, although technically it will be his seventh oath, including the one in March 2000, when he took over as the CM of undivided Bihar for seven days.

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BJP surprise selection in Bihar: Tarikishore, Renu Devi could be Deputy CMs

The fourth term Katihar MLA Tarkishore Prasad was on Sunday named as the BJP legislature party leader, indicating he could be Deputy Chief Minister in the new NDA government headed by Nitish Kumar.

Bettiah MLA Renu Devi has been made party's deputy legislature party leader and she could be another Deputy CMfrom the saffron party in the NDA ministry which will be sworn in on Monday evening.

Prasad and Renu Devi's names were announced at the BJP legislature party meeting here during the day.

Nobody can take away my post as worker: Sushil Modi amid speculation over Deputy CM

Amid speculations over the deputy chief minister's post in the newBihargovernment, incumbent Sushil Kumar Modi said on Sunday that the BJP and the Sangh Parivar have given him a lot in his political career.

Speculations were rife over the post with senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh, who was in the state to oversee the party's post-election activities, and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar keeping off from the issue when asked by the press.

From the Newsroom: Nitish Kumar to take oath as Bihar Chief Minister on Monday

Mandate against Nitish Kumar, Bihar will find alternative which will be spontaneous: Manoj Jha

As its fate hangs in balance, LJP claims it proved its worth in Bihar

With questions being raised about the Lok Janshakti Party's prospects after it won only one seat in theBiharassembly polls, party sources on Sunday cited its "influence" in "changing" results in over 40 seats to assert that it will continue to have a key presence in the state politics.

JD(U) National President Nitish Kumar addresses media as HAM(S) Chief Jitan Ram Manjhi and other leaders look on after meetingBiharGovernor Fagu Chauhan in Patna. Credit: PTI Photo

Wasn't keen on becoming Bihar CM: Nitish Kumar after being elected

JD(U) president Nitish Kumar was elected leader of the NDA Legislature Party here on Sunday. He will take oath on Monday as the Bihar Chief Minister for the fourth straight term, although technically it will be his seventh oath, including the one in March 2000, when he took over as the CM of undivided Bihar for seven days.

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Tarkishore Prasad unanimously elected as the leader of BJP legislature party in Bihar, party leader Sushil Kumar Modi tweets.

Nearly 160 tonnes of biomedical waste generated during Bihar Assembly polls

Nearly 160 tonne of biomedical waste in the form of gloves, face masks and empty sanitiser bottles used by polling personnel and voters was generated during the Bihar Assembly polls held amid the Covid-19 pandemic, poll authorities in the state have said.

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Nitish Kumar evades queries on Sushi Modi, says, "Will let you know later."

Oath ceremony to be held tomorrow afternoon: JD(U) Chief Nitish Kumar after staking claim to form government

Wanted someone from the BJP to be the CM, says Nitish

I wanted someone from the BJP should become CM this time. But I relented only after the BJP requested that I should don the mantle of chief ministership: Nitish

Was not keen to become CM, but accepted the responsibility after BJP's request, says Nitish after being elected NDA leader

Nitish Kumar arrives at Raj Bhawan

Delay in finalising seat sharing hurt 'Mahagathbandhan' in Bihar: Tariq Anwar

Delay in finalising seat sharing for the Bihar election adversely impacted the Mahagathbandhan's poll performance, senior Congress leader Tariq Anwar said on Sunday, asserting that the Congress must learn from it and complete alliance formalities well in advance for upcoming assembly polls.

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Nitish Kumar to take oath on Monday

BJP conspired to weaken Nitish Kumar, says Congress leader Tariq Anwar

Earlier, Nitish Kumar Ji emerged as a good NDA leader in Bihar. But this time, his chances are not the same. The BJP has conspired to weaken him. Now even if he is elected as NDA’s leader or Chief Minister, someone else will have the remote to control him: Tariq Anwar, Congress

Nitish Kumar elected leader of the JD(U) Legislature Party. Suspense over Bihar's Dy CM

Rajnath Singh arrives at Nitish Kumar's residence

Defence Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh arrives at JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar's residence for a meeting of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) over Biharelection results

Janata Dal (United) and Bharatiya Janata Party are holding separate meetings in Patna; National Democratic Alliance meeting will begin shortly

People's mandate is against Nitish Kumar: Manoj Jha

How can someone become Chief Minister after getting 40 seats? People's mandate is against him, he is decimated & should decide on it. Biharwill find its alternative, which will be spontaneous. It might take a week, ten days, or a month but it will happen: RJD leader Manoj Jha

Owaisi scripts success story while 'secular' parties lose narrative

After a long conversation in a Muslim-dominated area in Uttar Pradesh during the 2017 state polls, Asaduddin Owaisi, the chief of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), was perplexed to hear someone say that the priority was to defeat the BJP.

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Despite the BJP emerging as the largest party in the ruling alliance with 74 seats, 31 more than the JD(U), the top leadership of the saffron party, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has emphatically endorsedKumaras the next chief minister.

NDA meet to take place at 12:30 pm

"The meeting will start at 12:30 pm on Sunday, November 15 where all further decisions will be taken," chief minister-electKumar, who also heads the JD(U) told reporters later

A joint meeting of the NDA legislature party will be held in Patna on Sunday where Nitish Kumar will be elected as its leader

Dynast report card: Victory for Lalu's sons, defeat for Sharad's, Shatrughan’s wards

They entered the Bihar poll battle to protect and carry forward their fathers’ political legacy, but many of them could not win their own seat though some tasted victory.

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First Kar Sevak Kameshwar Chaupal in for big role in Bihar

The BJP is likely to reward Kameshwar Chaupal, a Dalit leader who had laid the foundation brick of Ram Temple, with key responsibility in the Bihar cabinet.

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Nitish Kumar submits resignation to Governor Phagu Chauhan

Nitish later met Bihar Governor Phagu Chauhan and submitted his resignation. The Governor has asked him to officiate as CM till the oath takes place after Deepawali.

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Newly elected NDA MLAs to meet on November 15 to declare Nitish Kumar as leader

The decision was taken at an "informal" meeting of leaders of the four NDA constituents in Bihar--the JD(U), BJP, HAM and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) at the residence of Chief Minister Kumar.

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Newly elected NDA MLAs to meet on Nov 15 to choose Nitish Kumar as their leader

A joint meeting of the NDA legislature party will be held on Sunday where Nitish Kumar will be elected as its leader.

This was decided a meeting of the leaders of the four NDA constituents in Bihar--the JD(U), BJP, HAM and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) at the residence of Chief Minister Kumar on Friday.

BJP’s relentless rise, Congress’s continued fall

While the BJP rose to dominance in Bihar in the Assembly elections, it has reasserted its supremacy in the other states where by-elections were held this month.

By-elections need not always be taken as political barometers but the number and nature of the seats and the diversity of the states where they were held make them somewhat representative and indicative of the political mood.

That mood is clear, with the BJP winning 41 of the 59 by-elections, snatching most of the seats from Congress or other parties. It won 27 seats from Congress in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

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DH Exclusive | Jitan Ram Manjhi may be the new Speaker of Bihar Assembly

Manjhi, the president of Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM), who has been elected Leader of HAM Legislature Party, did not confirm or deny about his new assignment but he did say he was not interested in any ministerial berth any more.

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Disappointed with performance in Bihar polls, CWC to review it soon: Congress

The Congress managed to win only 19 of the 70 seats it had contested, down from its previous tally of 27 seats out of 41 it had fought in the 2015 assembly elections in the state.

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Rumblings in Mahagathbandhan days after Congress' poor show in Bihar Assembly polls

With Congress' poor performance in Bihar polls pulling down the RJD-led Grand Alliance, daggers are out. In fact the call for introspection came from the party backyard itself with former Union minister and AICC General Secretary Tariq Anwar taking to social media asking for "accepting the reality".

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BJP’s relentless rise, Congress’s continued fall

By-elections need not always be taken as political barometers but the number and nature of the seats and the diversity of the states where they were held make them somewhat representative and indicative of the political mood. That mood is clear, with the BJP winning 41 of the 59 by-elections, snatching most of the seats from Congress or other parties. It won 27 seats from Congress in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

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You got it wrong, Nitish Kumar tells scribes when asked about 'last poll' remark

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday sought to clarify his recent "aakhiri chunaav" (last poll) remark which had triggered intense speculations, and claimed that it was an utterance made by him whenever he wrapped up an election campaign, but it was "misunderstood" this time.

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Counting of votes in Bihar polls done in fair manner: Chief Electoral Officer H R Srinivas

Chief Electoral Officer H R Srinivas on Thursday dismissed any irregularity in the declaration of results in the Bihar polls, asserting all rules and guidelines of the Election Commission were strictly followed in the counting of postal ballots as well as allowing only the authorised persons to carry mobile phones inside the counting halls.

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Only BJP can decide on LJP's continuance in NDA: Nitish

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, whose JD(U) suffered a major slump in seats in the assembly polls on account of the rebellion by Chirag Paswan, on Thursday said it is for the alliance spearhead BJP to take a call on whether to retain the LJP in the NDA.

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Disappointed with performance in Bihar polls, CWC to review it soon: Congress

The Congress said on Thursday it was disappointed with its performance in Bihar Assembly elections and the party's working committee would soon review it.

The Congress managed to win only 19 of the 70 seats it had contested, down from its previous tally of 27 seats out of 41 it had fought in the 2015 assembly elections in the state. -PTI

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar addresses a press conference, at JD(U) office in Patna. PTI

Charges of irregularities in counting of votes in Bihar: CEC says ultimate decision lies with people

Against the backdrop of allegations by the opposition of irregularities in the counting of votes in the Bihar Assembly polls, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora on Thursday said while the Election Commission does not react to comments made by political parties, the ultimate decision lies with people.

He also said the Bihar chief electoral officer has already responded to everything. The EC had to hold four press conferences on counting day on November 10 to respond to various aspects of the process, Arora pointed out. -PTI

Bihar outcome could have been different if India followed proportional representation: Chidambaram

After a disastrous performance in the Bihar elections, Congress on Thursday said the outcome of the poll could have been different if India had an election process of proportional representation, instead of the “first past the post”.

The voters in Bihar had come “pretty close” to changing the government but did not do it, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said adding that the difference betweent he votes polled by NDA and the Grand alliance was a mere 0.03%.

Bihar yet another SOS for Congress. Anyone listening?

Bihar has sounded warnings to the Congress, warnings it ought to heed before the five assembly elections in 2021 and the next general elections. The verdict from the eastern state holds multiple lessons for the Congress that impact its survival as the GOP (Grand Old Party) and call for an immediate visit to the drawing board to craft strategies and cope with a milieu vastly different from the one it is familiar with.

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I have made no claim, the decision will be taken by NDA: Nitish Kumar on being asked, "Who will be the CM?" -ANI

It is not decided yet when the oath ceremony will take place, whether after Diwali or Chhath. We are analysing the results of this election. Members of all four parties will meet tomorrow: Nitish Kumar - ANI

People have given the mandate to NDA and it will form government: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar - ANI

Bihar win not endorsement for Modi govt's handling of Covid-19: Yechury

Hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for linking the Bihar poll victory to his government's handling of the pandemic and the economy, the CPI(M) Thursday said the NDA had managed to get only 0.03 per cent more votes than the Mahagathbandhan, of which the Left parties were a part.

In the recently concluded Bihar polls, the Left parties -- CPI, CPIM and CPI(ML) -- bagged 16 of the 29 seats they fought. -PTI

Akhilesh alleges irregularities in Bihar polls

Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday alleged irregularities in the Bihar Assembly polls and claimed that the opposition Grand Alliance was poised to win the election but "could not do so at the last moment".

"We wanted to talk about the irregularities done with us (in Uttar Pradesh), but a more serious one has happened in Bihar. Tejashwi Yadav was poised to make his government but could not do so at the last moment. All those who have faith in democratic values are unhappy today and asking if this is how elections will be fought," he told reporters here. -PTI

Those with hostile view about everything were rejected in polls: Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said people in Bihar, Gujarat and other states where elections were held recently have rejected the leaders who only find fault with everything.

People have given a message that they stand behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said.

"Some political leaders and parties are `Vakra- drashta', as they have a hostile view about everything. They have a habit of finding fault with everything which is good for people," the senior BJP leader said. -PTI

Jitan Ram Manjhi elected HAM legislature party leader, says won't accept ministerial berth

Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi was on Thursday elected the leader of its four-member legislature party.

All the four newly elected MLAs met at Manjhi's residence where they elected the former chief minister the leader of the legislature group.

They were all felicitated by pary leaders and workers present there following the party's best-ever peerformance in an assembly election. Manjhi was the lone HAM MLA in the outgoing assembly. -PTI

Nitish may take oath as CM on Monday

Nitish Kumar may take oath as Bihar Chief Minister for a fourth successive term next week but the date has not been finalised yet, a close aide said on Thurday.

However, speculation is rife in political circles that he will be sworn in on Monday, the day 'Bhaiyya Dooj' festival will be celebrated, as it is considered an auspicious day. -PTI

Manoj Jha mocks Nitish over JD(U)’s performance

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Manoj Jha on November 12 berated Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar over his party’s performance in Bihar assembly elections.

He said, “Public is indeed the master, but see the condition they've placed you in. You (Nitish Kumar) dream of becoming CM after getting 40 seats. If you analyse mandate, it's decisively against you. If you still get the post, only god knows how long will this illusion last?”

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Tariq Anwar admits Congress' poor performance let Mahagathbandan down

Anwar said, “Our performance was not as good as Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Left. They performed way better than us. Had we performed like them, there would have been Mahagathbandhan government in Bihar.”

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RJD's Tejashwi Yadav elected Grand Alliance legislature party leader, claims NDA won by deceit

RJD's Tejashwi Yadav was on Thursday elected the leader of the Grand Alliance legislature party and promptly hit out at the NDA, claiming it won the assembly elections through "deceit".

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BJP blames Congress for Grand Alliance's loss in Bihar

UP Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and BJP leader Anand Swaroop Shukla has taken a potshot at the Congress, holding it responsible for the defeat of the Grand Alliance in Bihar Assembly elections.

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We lost 20 seats by a wafer-thin margin. In many constituencies, as many as 900 postal ballots were invalidated, alleges Tejashwi, casting doubts on the electoral process

We demand recounting of postal ballots in all those constituencies where these were counted at the end, and not in the beginning, says Tejashwi Yadav

It is surprising that the NDA got only 12,270 seats more than Mahagathbandhan, and yet managed to win 15 more seats, says Tejashwi Yadav

Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) has been relegated to the third position. If he has any conscience left, he must give up his attachment to the Chief Minister’s chair, says Tejashwi upon being unanimously elected by 109 'Mahagathbandhan' MLAs as their leader

Watch Tejashwi Yadav live here

I thank Bihar's people. The mandate favoured Mahagathbandhan, but Election Commission’s result was in NDA's favour. This hasn't happened first time. In 2015 when Mahagathbandhan was formed, votes were in our favour but BJP made back door entry to gain power: Tejashwi Yadav, RJD

If there is no value of postal votes, why do we even have it? Tejashwi Yadav says the vote counting was done under "someone's influence"

Difference of 12,270 votes between NDA and Grand Alliance: Tejashwi Yadav

You can to satisfy all candidates, Tejashwi Yadav attacks Election Commission after defeat

The mandate was in RJD's favour: Tejashwi Yadav

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav briefs media for the first time after Bihar Election results.

2020 Bihar Election Results Live Tracker

HAM chief Jitan Ram Manjhi, other MLAs reach Nitish Kumar's house after party meeting

Congress to hold discussion with top leadership in Bihar

We will hold discussions with our top leadership in Bihar, our election candidates & our District Congress Committees, and reach a conclusion. We will then inform the High Command: Tariq Anwar, Congress General Secretary

Cong's performance not as good as RJD and Left, says General Secy

Our performance was not as good as RJD & Left. They performed way better than us. Had we performed like them, there would've been Mahagathbandhan govt in Bihar. People of Bihar wanted the same & had made up their mind for a change: Tariq Anwar, Congress General Secy

Making Nitish Kumar the chief minister of Bihar once again would be an insult to the elctorate, says Shiv Sena mouthpiece

Nitish Kumar likely to take oath as Bihar CM after Diwali

With the NDA getting a comfortable majority in the Bihar assembly, all eyes are now on the formation of the next government which will likely be sworn in soon after the Diwali festivities get over later this week, informed sources said here on Wednesday.

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Bihar election: Nitish Kumar’s final diminishment

The Bihar Assembly election results were a mixture of the expected and the unexpected. Though it was expected at the beginning of the campaign that the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by JD(U) leader and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar would comfortably come back to power, the alliance could only scrape through in a seesaw battle. As the campaign progressed, there was an impression that the Mahagathbandhan, comprising the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress and the Left parties and led by the 31-year-old Tejashwi Yadav, might even win.

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Development only basis for politics now; women BJP's silent voters: PM Narendra Modi

Addressing BJP workers at a thanksgiving programme here following the electoral victory, Modi also attributed the NDA's win in Bihar to its mantra of "sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas" and also launched a veiled attack on the West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress, saying those who cannot challenge the saffron party democratically have resorted to "murdering" its workers to realise their goals.

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Tamil Nadu political leaders congratulate Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar

"Good governance leads to a progressive state. People of Bihar have reaffirmed their solidarity for NDA alliance. My hearty congratulations for the NDA alliance in the state. Best wishes for the people of Bihar," Palaniswami said.

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Modi turns attention to West Bengal with veiled warning to TMC

“I don't think I need to warn them, because in a democracy, the people will decide. Elections come and go but this dance of death cannot continue in democracy. Nobody can win elections like this, do read the writing on the wall,” Modi said.

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We were always present but this time we got more seats. Our performance was good in this alliance. We had set an agenda but NDA has returned, so, I would say our mission has failed: CPI(M-L) Gen Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya on party winning 12 seats

Nadda credits Modi for NDA's Bihar victory

Crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic for the NDA's victory in Bihar, BJP president J P Nadda on Wednesday said people of the state have chosen 'vikas raaj' (rule of development) over an atmosphere of crime and anarchy.

Thanking the people for his party's victory in Bihar assembly polls and bypolls in various states, Nadda said this was India's first big elections after the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Questions were raised about the leadership of big and powerful countries during the coronavirus pandemic, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a bold and timely decision of lockdown that saved lives of a large number of people," Nadda said.

(PTI)

After winning in Bihar, Bengal is prime focus for BJP : Vijayvargiya

After clinching the Bihar assembly polls, West Bengal will be the "prime focus" for BJP where it has set a target of winning more than 200 out of the total 294 seats in the state elections due in April-May 2021, party national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya said on Wednesday.

The NDA has won 125 seats in the 243-member Bihar assembly, results of which were declared on Tuesday. The BJP with its score of 74 seats has emerged as the party to have won the second highest number of seats after Lalu Prasad's RJD.

The saffron party's tally is much higher than that of its ally - the JD(U) which won 43 seats.

(PTI)

PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah at BJP headquarters

OPINION | Why Bihar is a win both for PM Narendra Modi and Lalu Prasad Yadav

Let us try to understand why it is so. A simplistic view of the results would be that if the Chief Minister wins the majority in re-election, he becomes the natural choice for the top post. But this logic may not work in the coalition era, where the voter can often be placed in a Catch-22 situation.

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People have rejected religious agenda in Bihar, have no faith in EVMs: Prakash Ambedkar

Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) leader Prakash Ambedkar on Wednesday said ballot papers should be used in elections as people have "no faith" in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

He also hailed RJD's Tejashwi Yadav for putting up a "good fight" in the recently-held Bihar elections, results of which were announced on Tuesday.

Addressing reporters here, Ambedkar said many parties alleged malpractices in the recently contested Bihar assembly elections, results of which were declared on Tuesday.

"People do not trust EVMs in any part of the world anymore. They allege that these machines can be easily manipulated and hacked," he said.

(PTI)

With the NDA getting a comfortable majority in the Bihar assembly, all eyes are now on the formation of the next government which will likely be sworn in soon after the Diwali festivities get over later this week, informed sources said here on Wednesday.

They said JD(U) president Nitish Kumar will be back as the chief minister for yet another term in office.

Kumar, who looks on course to becoming the longest serving chief minister of the state during his new term, was expected to take oath on or after Monday next week before which he will send his resignation to the governor since his current tenure expires at the end of November.

The record is currently held by the state's first chief minister Srikrishna Sinha who was in office for 17 years and 52 days. Kumar has so far helmed the state for 14 years and 82 days.

(PTI)

Mehbooba congratulates Tejashwi for RJD's poll show in Bihar

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti congratulated RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday on his party's performance in the Bihar Assembly election, saying he set the agenda on real issues in the polls as opposed to "divisive" politics.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has emerged as the single-largest party in the 243-member Bihar Assembly with 75 seats, but the opposition Grand Alliance, also comprising the Congress and the Left parties, has fallen short of the majority mark.

"Congratulations @yadavtejashwi for setting the agenda on real issues in Bihar polls as opposed to divisive politics. Despite being a one man army you put up a tough fight. Im sure you've made Laloo ji proud & there will be victories ahead inshallah," Mufti wrote on Twitter.

In our party, we have to further strengthen the principles of democracy, that is what makes our party powerful: Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the party workers at BJP headquarters in Delhi

A national-level political party is caught in the web of family politics: PM

"Youth of the country today knows it very well that dynasty politics poses the biggest threat to democracy. Unfortunately, a national-level political party is caught in the web of family politics. In such a situation, the role of BJP increases even more," PM said in BJP headquarters in Delhi.

Those who are not able to compete with us in democratic ways are not able to challenge us, some people have taken the way to hurt BJP workers: PM

"BJP has a large group of silent voters that is voting them repeatedly. The women, the 'Nari Shakti' of our country are the silent voters for us. From rural to urban, women have become the largest group of silent voters for us," said PM Modi

WATCH LIVE | PM Narendra Modi addresses BJP karyakartas in Delhi

The people of India have clearly stated that the only point of debate during elections would be development in the 21st century India. People of India are asking every other party to come to this plank, and showing them that these are the real issues: PM

The secret to winning Bihar elections is 'Sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwaas'. It is a victory of the development works in Bihar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The way we have fought this pandemic from Janta Curfew till today has been reflected in these election results. Every life saved from Covid is a success story for India: PM Modi

These days, we get headlines such as 'Rise in polling numbers of women' and 'Rise in number of votes given' is a massive change from our past: PM Narendra Modi

I congratulate every worker of NDA as well as their families for the success of their dedicated work: PM

"It was not easy to conduct these elections during this crisis period of Corona. But our democratic systems are so strong, transparent, that even in the midst of this crisis, they have also identified India's strength to the world by making such a big election" PM said.

"The elections may have been on some seats and some areas, but from yesterday morning till late night, the entire country's eyes were on TV, social media and Election Commission websites. The faith of Indians towards democracy is nowhere to be found all over the world," he said at the party headquarters.

"I congratulate every worker of NDA as well as their families for the success of their dedicated work and contribution in the elections. I want to congratulate BJP President JP Nadda ji for the victory in the polls," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

I want to thank the people of the country, not because they made BJP win the polls across the states, but also because all of us enthusiastically participated in the festival of democracy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi

PM Narendra Modi addresses party workers at BJP headquarters following the victory of NDA in Bihar Election.

The people are the owners. Thankful for the support and majority shown by the peolpe to the NDA. I thank the PM, for his cooperation: NItish Kumar

This was India's first big elections after the world was hit by the Covid pandemic. From viewpoint of contributing to the elections to bringing people out to vote for us, it has been a big and defining period: Nadda

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi shows victory sign and waves at the BJP workers who have gathered at party headquarters to take part in the celebrations following the victory of NDA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed by BJP leaders at the event organised at party headquarters to celebrate the victory of NDA

Delhi: BJP workers take part in the celebrations at BJP headquarters, following the victory of NDA in Bihar elections.

Victory celebrations at BJP headquarters

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at BJP headquarters to take part in the event organised to celebrate the victory of NDA

Left parties allege 'irregularities' during final stages of vote counting in Bihar election, say issue needs to be seriously addressed & will be raised with Election Commission soon

The Left parties alleged on Wednesday that there were "irregularities" during the final stages of counting of votes in the Bihar Assembly polls on Tuesday and said the issue will be raised with the Election Commission (EC) soon.

The three Left parties -- Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) -- won an impressive 16 of the 29 seats they contested in the Bihar polls.

(PTI)

Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah arrives at party headquarters to take part in the event organised for celebrating the victory of NDA

BJP President JP Nadda arrives at party headquarters, to take part in the event organised for celebrating the victory of NDA in Bihar elections

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the party workers shortly.

Credit: AFP File Photo

Joyous scenes at BJP HQ: Bihar to 60 bypolls, voters support BJP.

Dalai Lama writes to Nitish Kumar

The Dalai Lama writes to Nitish Kumar to congratulate him on the victory of his alliance in Bihar State Assembly Election.

“I pray you will be successful in meeting whatever challenges lie ahead in fulfilling hopes & aspirations of the people of Bihar,” he wrote.

Wanted JD(U) 'weakened', won't back Nitish: Chirag Paswan

LJP leader Chirag Paswan on Wednesday defended his decision of fielding candidates against the JD(U) in large numbers in the Bihar assembly polls which hugely damaged its prospects, saying he wanted Nitish Kumar's party to be "weakened" and succeeded in the endeavour.

He also declared he will not support the new government in Bihar if the NDA stuck to its promise of retaining Nitish Kumar as the chief minister despite the JD (U)'s diminished numbers in the assembly.

"We never concealed our intentions. We believed the JD(U) headed by Kumar needed to be weakened and we succeeded. We wanted to make the BJP stronger and its heft has increased unquestionably," Paswan said.

(PTI)

BJP improves strike rate since 2015; RJD, Cong scoring rate dip

Bihar witnessing a thrilling contest for the 243 assembly seats, the victory for the NDA may be attributed to the BJPs much improved strike rate since the last election and a slide in the RJDs and Congress scoring rate.

The BJP increased its strike rate from 33.75 per cent in 2015 to 67.3 per cent in 2020, while the RJDs number came down from an impressive 79.2 per cent last polls to 52 per cent this time.

The RJD-led Mahagathbandhans overall strike rate was also brought down significantly by the Congress too which slid from 65.85 per cent in the 2015 polls to 27.14 per cent this poll, a decline of over 38 percentage point.

The BJP had contested 157 seats in 2015, when it was a rival of the JD(U) and the RJD, and had won 53. It added 19 more seats to its 2015 tally, even though it contested 47 fewer seats than the previous election.

The RJD, however, had contested 101 seats and won 80 (SR 79.2 per cent) in 2015. It contested 144 seats, 43 more than last time, but won 75, five less than 2015, bringing their strike rate down to 52. A better strike rate for the BJP also meant that a negative swing in its vote share since 2015 -- from 24.42 per cent to 19.5 per cent -- did not have any impact on their seats tally.

As for the RJD, their higher vote share of 23.1 per cent this time around -- 3.6 percentage point higher than the BJPs could fetch it just one seat more than the saffron party.

Also the RJD vote share jumped from 18.35 per cent, explained by the larger number of constituencies they contested this poll, but their seats tally came down due to a reduced strike rate.

(PTI)

Bihar close contest in 11 seats; RJD vote-share rises, JD(U) drops

An analysis showed that the victory margin in 76 seats were in the range of 10-20,000 votes while it was 20-30,000 in 44 seats, 30-40,000 in 22 and 40-50,000 in 14 constituencies.

The analysis of vote-share showed that RJD improved its tally from 18.35% in 2015 to 23.11% this time while the BJP saw a decline from 24.42% to 19.46%. However, one has to keep in mind that the number of seats contested by RJD rose from 101 to around 140 this time while the BJP's saw a drop from 157 to 110.

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Bihar Assembly Election: LJP cheated NDA; Modi biggest reason for our Bihar victory, says Bhupender Yadav

A day after the BJP-JD (U) alliance won assembly polls in Bihar, the BJP's general secretary and the state in-charge Bhupender Yadav on Wednesday said the NDA was cheated by its former member LJP of Chirag Paswan in the elections and the confusion created by them caused some losses.

Yadav also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's credibility were biggest factors behind the NDA's victory in the polls, while guidance of senior union Minister Amit Shah and on-ground presence of the party president J P Nadda also made significant contribution.

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Bihar Assembly Poll Results: Victorious crorepathis

BJP - 65
RJD - 64
JD(U) - 38
Congress - 14
(In 2015, 162 were crorepatis)

Richest
Anant Kumar Singh (RJD) -- Rs 68.56 crore

Poorest
Ramvriksh Sada (RJD) -- Rs 70,000

No of re-elected MLAs analysed in 2020: 96
Avg assets of re-elected MLAs in 2015: Rs 3.15 crore
Avg assets of re-elected MLAs in 2020: Rs 5.26 crore
Avg growth in assets: Rs 2.11 crore (by 67%)

Source: Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR)

Bihar Assembly Poll Results: Winners with Criminal charges

- 163 or 68% winners have criminal cases
- 123 or 51% have serious criminal charges against them
- 194 (81%) are crorepatis
- Rs 4.32 crore -- average assets of winners

According to Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR)

Bihar victory belies anti-incumbency claims; Nitish Kumar to remain CM: Bihar BJP president

"Wining the fourth term is always a great task for anybody. We have won that. This proves everything was fine. It is very rare that you win a fourth term in continuity. We have done this and it settles everything," Jaiswal said.

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Amit Shah congratulates Nadda for BJP's victory in Bihar & bypolls in various states

Visited party national president J P Nadda & congratulated him for BJP's massive victory in Bihar & by-polls in various states. Under leadership of Nadda ji and PM Modi, all of us party workers are devoted to the development of the country: Amit Shah, Home Minister and BJP leader

Bihar victory belies anti-incumbency claims; Nitish to remain CM: BJP Bihar president

Bihar BJP president Sanjay Jaiswal on Wednesday credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's welfare policies for the ruling NDA's win in the assembly polls and said all anti-incumbency claims have been negated by the mandate for a fourth term to the Nitish Kumar government.

He also made it clear that Kumar will continue to head the NDA government in Bihar and asserted that the gap between the number of seats of BJP and JD(U) will have no impact on the ruling alliance dynamics in the state.

"Certainly, 100 per cent," Jaiswal told PTI when asked whether Kumar will remain the chief minister.

"We are allies and equals. We have to run Bihar collectively," he said.

"Wining the fourth term is always a great task for anybody. We have won that. This proves everything was fine. It is very rare that you win a fourth term in continuity. We have done this and it settles everything," Jaiswal said.

(PTI)

Nitish must, with a bg heart, let Tejashwi take the Chief Minister chair, make a formula for all the people of JDU: Digvijaya Singh

"Thank you, India for overwhelmingly trusting PM Modi and BJP again in recently concluded Assembly elections in Bihar and by-polls in other states! Hearty congratulations to all BJP Karyakartas and supporters on the thumping victories," said BJP.

Don't cut the branch which you sit on: Jitan Ram Manjhi on LJP's defeat

There's a saying 'don't cut the branch which you sit on'. Same way, Chirag Paswan worked towards defeating the fold he was part of. Result is clear, the branch has been cut, but he also fell... 'apne chirag se bhasm ho gaye hain vo': Jitan Ram Manjhi, Hindustani Awam Morcha (S)

Tejashwi Yadav, a political novice who gave veterans a run for their money

An avid cricketer whose career never really took off, a political greenhorn who got power on a silver platter but failed to keep it, a scion of Bihar's most powerful family who could not get past the 9th grade.

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I did what I could after my father's death, says LJP chief Chirag Paswan

LJP put up a good fight, says Chirag Paswan

PM Modi hails BJP's assembly bypoll victories across states

Hailing the BJP's strong performance in assembly bypolls in various states, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday praised the party's leadership there and expressed his thanks to people.

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Tejashwi Yadav: The new ‘sonrise’ in Bihar's polity

Some called him school drop out. Others called him a ‘twitter babua’ (twitter kid). Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to the extent of calling him ‘Jungle Raj ke Yuvraj’. But 31-year-old Tejashwi Yadav, who single-handedly fought the combined might of Modi as well as Nitish Kumar, never responded to any of the opponents’ derogatory nomenclatures.

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Bihar me bahar aayi: Javadekar after NDA wins in Bihar

Bihar mein bahaar aayi, NDA ne kamaal kiya. The kind of trust Bihar & entire nation has in the leadership of PM Modi - people want progress of the country. They have rejected the kind of politics done by the Opposition parties: Union Minister Prakash Javadekar

Bihar election: How Nitish Kumar won despite losing seats

Bihar has never witnessed such a nail-biting finish in any of the electoral battles since Independence. Neither in the undivided Bihar, nor after the State was bifurcated in November 2000 to create Jharkhand. And never ever has Nitish Kumar looked so weakened, yet so desperate to retain power.

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Bihar election: As Tejashwi’s ‘lantern’ flickers, Nitish scrapes through in a fierce fight

Defying all exit poll predictions, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is all set to get a fourth straight term in Bihar. The ruling coalition won 125 seats in the 243-member state assembly against 110 clinched by the opposition Grand Alliance.

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Left flies high in Bihar Assembly election 2020

Both fought together but the Bihar election story is different for the Congress and the Left -- the former further shrunk in the state while the latter translated its years of groundwork to an emphatic victory riding on the strength of a coalition.

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Bihar Assembly polls: Most exit polls miss the mark

The Bihar assembly election results appeared to belie predictions made by most exit polls which had given a clear edge to the Rashtriya Janata Dal-led Mahagathbandhan.

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EC says Covid-19 precautions slowed down Bihar vote counting, but process remained glitch-free

The Covid-19 pandemic slowed down the process of counting of votes cast in the polling for the state assembly of Bihar, but the Election Commission on Tuesday claimed that the process remained free of any glitch.

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Bihar polls: Congress alleges foul play in counting

The Congress on Tuesday alleged foul play in the counting for the Bihar assembly polls and accused the ruling NDA of "misusing power".

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Bihar results show wrong to write-off the Left; could have won more seats: Sitaram Yechury

With the three Left parties bagging 13 seats and leading in three others in Bihar, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury warned naysayers against writing them off, saying they would have notched up higher numbers in the elections had they been given more seats.

"We were clear from the beginning that we have to defeat the BJP. Our strike rate in Bihar is 80 per cent and if we had been given more seats, we would have contributed more to the gathbandhan tally," Yechury told PTI.

"Our alliance with the RJD and Congress combined issues of social justice with that of economic justice. One cannot be achieved without the other," he said.

Bihar Election: Modi saves the day for Nitish Kumar; RJD emerges as single largest party

Surmounting anti-incumbency of 15 years, a mutinous former ally, and a spirited challenge from a resurgent opposition that rose from its ashes like the proverbial phoenix after the 2019 Lok Sabha poll debacle, Nitish Kumar- led NDA was back in power in Bihar on Wednesday with a slender majority.

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Results of all 243 assembly constituencies declared.

People of Bihar have trusted NDA, Narendra Modi Ji, and Nitish Kumar Ji. Public gave us a clear mandate: MoS Home and BJP leader Nityanand Rai

NDA wins 122 seats (BJP 72, JD(U) 42, VIP 4, HAM 4) and leads in three out of the total 243 seats in fray.

JD(U) wins Hilsa seat by just 12 votes

The JD(U) has won the Hilsa assembly seat in Bihar just by 12 votes, according to the Election Commission website, a result contested by the rival RJD.

According to the results updated on the Election Commission website late Tuesday night, JD(U)'s Krishnamurari Sharan alias Prem Mukhiya has polled 61,848 votes, while the RJD's Atri Muni alias Shakti Singh Yadav has got 61,836 votes.

"Results declared," the poll panel wrote in the 'status' column for Hilsa seat late Tuesday night. And in the margin column it wrote “12”.

Earlier, around 10 pm, when the poll panel website showed that votes for Hilsa were still being counted, the RJD alleged foul play in the process.

"The Returning Officer had declared RJD candidate Shakti Singh from Hilsa assembly constituency as winner by 547 votes. He was told to wait for issuing the victory certificate. But then the Returning Officer receives a call from the chief minister’s residence and the officer suddenly says the RJD candidate has lost by 13 votes due to postal ballots being cancelled," the party alleged in a tweet.

The Election Commission has, however, denied it was under any pressure from anybody.

As per the poll panel data, JD(U)’s Krishnamurari Sharan has got 232 postal votes and the RJD's Shakti Singh Yadav 233. (PTI)

I would like to express my gratitude towards people of Bihar. This victory is a result of PM Narendra Modi's hard work and guidance. People have elected double-engine govt and rejected 'double yuvraj': Union Minister and BJP leader Ashwini Kumar Choubey.

EC says Covid-19 precautions slowed down Bihar vote counting, but process remained glitch-free

“Thecommissionhas not been under any sort of pressure from anyquarters,” the Secretary General of the EC, Umesh Sinha,said at a news-conference at 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, even as the Congress and its ally the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) alleged irregularities in the counting of votes in some constituencies in the state.

Read more here

Bihar polls: Congress alleges foul play in counting

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, who is camping in Bihar for the past many days, alleged that party candidates in Kishanganj and Sakra had won but were not given victory certificates.

Read more here

Tejashwi Yadav wins Raghopur by over 38,000 votes

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav won his Raghopur seat by a margin of over 38,000 votes in the result announced late Tuesday night. According to the Election Commission, Tejashwi defeated Bharatiya Janata Party's Satish Kumar by a margin of 38,174 votes.

Tejashwi, who was also the Mahagathbandhan's chief ministerial candidate, had won the Raghopur seat, a pocketborough of the RJD, on his poll debut in 2015 too when the victory margin was 22,733 votes. LJP candidate Rakesh Raushan bagged nearly 25,000 votes in the seat.

Tejashwi's elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav also won from Hasanpur seat by over 21,000 votes.

However, the NDA seems to be headed for a majority against the Grand Alliance as per the latest trends and results. Raghopur has been represented by Tejashwi's parents Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, both former chief ministers, in the past. (PTI)

Hopefully, we will have the final tally in an hour: Deputy Election Commissioner Chandrabhushan Kumar

Results in 223 seats have been declared, 20 constituencies are left. VVPAT of 5 booths that are to be taken up for counting, those exercises are going. We hope these will be completed soon: Deputy Election Commissioner Chandrabhushan Kumar.

LJP sinks but brings JD(U) down; ruling party says Nitish targeted as part of 'sinister' campaign

With polling trends on Tuesday showing Janata Dal (United) underperforming in a big way, Lok Janshakti Party president Chirag Paswan appeared to be succeeding in damaging Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led party by playing a major role in its poor show in many seats.

The LJP, though, itself looked to have paid a big price in the process, as the Election Commission data till around midnight showed that it could win just one seat while drawing around 5.7 per cent of votes.

Paswan's party has, however, been instrumental in the JD(U)'s loss in at least 30 seats, as per the latest voting figures made public by the Election Commission.

As per the latest EC data, JD(U) had 39 and was leading in four seats, a big drop from 71 seats it had won in 2015 assembly polls.

JD(U) spokesperson K C Tyagi told PTI that a "sinister" campaign was run against Nitish Kumar as part of a "conspiracy".

"Apne bhi shamil the aur begane bhi (Our own also harmed us along with the outsiders)," he said, without taking any names.

He, however, expressed confidence that Kumar will become the chief minister again, noting that top BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have made it clear that he will head the government if the ruling NDA retains power.

(PTI)

RJD emerges as the single largest party

For 4-5 hours, the NDA tally was kept between 122 and the Grand Alliance between 96-100: RJD

For 4-5 hours, the NDA tally was kept between 122 and the Grand Alliance between 96-100. In spite of this, when the Grand Alliance began to make an edge, the chief minister began to call the district magistrates directly to manipulate the house. All the state service officers who are holding elections are there: RJD

Have a look at the current numbers according to ECI:

NDA has won again the extraordinary trust of the people of Bihar: Ravi Shankar Prasad

Today is a historic day that NDA has won again the extraordinary trust of the people of Bihar. They trusted PM Modi's leadership whose commitment resonated with them that without development of Bihar, development of India will remain incomplete: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad

“Such powerful leaders on one side and an young man on the other. Irrespective of whatever seats Tejashwi's party won, it’s a good achievement and I am sure this will give inspiration to many from the younger generation,” said Sharad Pawar, as per reports

In Pics | RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav reaches the residence of former Chief Minister Rabri Devi in Patna. Tej Pratap Yadav has won the Hasanpur Assembly Constituency.

Chirag Paswan thanks people of Bihar

"The people of Bihar have expressed confidence in the respected @narendramodi ji. It is clear from the results that have come that there is enthusiasm in the people towards the BJP. This is the victory of the Prime Minister, respected Narendra Modij," LJP's Chirag Paswan.

"All the LJP candidates contested a spectacular election on their own without any alliance. The party's vote share has increased. Lojopa had gone with the resolution of the 'Bihar 1st Bihari 1st' in this election. The party has been strengthened in every district. The benefit is set to be met by the party in future," he said.

"I am proud of the party not bowing down to power. We fought and delivered our words to the masses. With the love of the people, the party has got a lot of strength in this election. Thanks to the people of Bihar," he tweeted.

Even after 15 years, voters in Bihar have blessed NDA for good governance: PM Modi

Union Home Minister Amit Shah takes to Twitter to acknowledge the NDA victory in Bihar

"Every section of Bihar has once again hoisted the flag of nda's evolution by denying the politics of hollowism, casteism and appeasement. This is the victory of the hopes and aspirations of every Biharis... @narendramodi G and @NitishKumar G's double engine is the triumph of development. @BJP4Bihar Congratulations to the workers," tweets Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

"Bihar's mandate is clear. We will live up to it. We are sure the RJD will blame EVMs tomorrow," says Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi in a press conference.

NDA set to form govt, won because of PM Modi's leadership: BJP Bihar unit chief

The NDA alliance is set to form the government in Bihar as it has won 121 seats and was leading with comfortable margin on four other seats, BJP's Bihar unit president Sanjay Jaiswal said on Tuesday while attributing the alliance's victory to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

"The NDA won because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and its pro-poor policies. People have reposed faith in his leadership," Jaiswal told PTI.

How much more rigging will run in Bihar elections? asks Congress

"How much more rigging will run in Bihar elections? In Kishanganj, Congress candidates won by 1,266 votes. The BJP candidate had gone home. Now the Congress candidate is being denied a certificate. Public opinion is being hijacked by killing democracy," says Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala.

Election Commission likely to hold press conference around midnight for final updates

There are discrepancies. We expect justice from Election Commission: Congress leader Akhilesh Singh

BJP candidate Shreyasi Singh wins from Jamui State Assembly constituency in Bihar.

We are in the final stage of counting, says EC.

Recount to take place in some seats, says Chandra Bhushan Kumar, Deputy Election Commission. He adds that the agency is not under pressure.

Results for 146 seats have been declared and leads in 97 seats have been declared so far: EC

The counting of votes was done after following all Covid-19 protocols, says Umesh Sinha, Deputy Election Commissioner.

Bihar Assembly election 2020: No ‘Chirag’ at the end of the LJP tunnel

All dressed up and nowhere to go. This is how one would sum up the performance of LJP chief Chirag Paswan, who scored a duck out of 137 seats that his pocket organisation had contested in the 2020 Bihar Assembly election.

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Results declared for 103 seats out of the total 243

NDA wins 54 seats (BJP 32, JDU 19, VIP 2, HAM 1), leading on 69 Mahagathbandhan wins 44 seats (RJD 29, Congress 7, Left 8), ahead on 69 AIMIM wins 3, leading on 2; BSP wins 1, & Independent 1

Will AIMIM join hands with RJD to form govt in Bihar?

The decision will be taken only after final results of Bihar Electionsare declared. Our fight is for development of Seemanchal (Bihar) which is one of the most backward areas of India: Asaduddin Owaisi, AIMIM on being asked if AIMIM will join hands with RJD to form govt in Bihar

BJP candidate calls for recounting of votes

BJP candidate from Kurhani Kedar Gupta calls for recounting, alleging that there was a difference in EVM counting figure and vote count given to him in writing by the Counting agent. "I'll write a letter to the EC. If they don't agree then we will approach court," he said

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) wins one seat in Bihar. Results declared for 93 out of the total 243 seats, as per Election commission

Red flag flies high in Bihar polls, CPI(ML) wins 5 seats

With a win in five seats and leads in 11 others, the CPI(ML) is all set for an impressive performance in theBiharAssembly elections whose results will be declared late on Tuesday.

Inarguably the biggest gainer in the Grand Alliance, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) , often working in the margins of mainstream politics, had 19 candidates in the fray, most of them students and youth leaders.

According to the trends at 8 30 pm on Tuesday, the Left parties--CPI(ML) has won five of the 19 seats they fought on and is leading in seven seats; CPI(M) which competed on four seats has won one and is leading in one seat; and the CPI which contested in six seats has won one seat and is leading in two others.

Nitish Kumar calling officers and getting numbers rigged, accuses RJD

After winning 119 seats, 109 are being shown on TV. Nitish Kumar is phoning all the officers and getting them rigged. To come and congratulate the final result, now the officials are suddenly saying that you have lost, accuses RJD

Nitish administration delaying he count, blames RJD

In almost 10 seats, the Nitish administration is delaying the count. It is not giving certificates to the winning candidates. Sitting in CM house, Nitish Kumar and Sushil Modi are pressurising CM's Principal Secretary to call all DMs and ROs to get a decision in favor of the nearest contested seats.

Results declared for 74 out of the total 243 seats

Results declared for 74 out of the total 243 seats. BJP 22, RJD wins 20, JD(U) 13, Congress 7, CPI(M-L) 5, VIP 2 and AIMIM, CPI, CPI(M), HAM(S) & Independent 1. NDA leading on 126 seats Mahagathbandhan on 110 seats AIMIM on 5 seats BSP on 1 seats

Big day for AIMIM, says Owaisi as the party bags 5 seats in Bihar elections

Those calling us vote-cutter have got 'befitting' reply: AIMIM on Bihar Election Results

Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi (file photo) wins from Imamganj Assembly constituency

'100%', says RJD leader when asked Mahagathbandhan would form govt in Bihar

"Pakka. 200%," says RJD leader Manoj Jha when asked by reporters if they (Mahagathbandhan) are forming the government in Bihar. As per the latest ECI trends, Mahagathbandhan is leading on 114 seats (RJD 76, Congress 20, Left 18)

RJD's Tej Pratap Yadav winsHasanpur, defeats JD(U)'s Raj Kumar Ray by 21,139 votes

If BJP lets Nitish become Bihar CM, thank Sena, says Raut

The Shiv Sena on Tuesday said JD-U leader Nitish Kumar should thank it if he retains the post ofBiharchief minister despite his party winning less seats in the Assembly polls than ally BJP as the latest trends indicate.

Referring to last year's dramatic turn of events in Maharashtra, which saw the Shiv Sena severing ties with the BJP and forming government with ideological rivals NCP and the Congress, Sena MP Sanjay Raut said his party had shown what happens "when word is not kept" by an alliance partner.

Pawar praises Tejashwi Yadav for tough fight in Bihar polls

NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Tuesday said though the trends of Bihar Assembly election results favour the NDA, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav put up a "gritty" fight.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself had campaigned for the NDA, he noted.

"The trends so far are in favour of the NDA. I think we did not pay attention to the Bihar election. We (NCP) did not contest because we felt that young leadership in the form of Tejashwi Yadav should come forward," Pawar told reporters here.

BJP's Arun Kumar Singh winsBaruraj, defeats RJD's Nand Kumar Rai by 43,654 votes

BJP's Raghvendra Pratap Singh winsBarhara, defeats RJD's Saroj Yadav by 4,973 votes

RJD's Bharat Bind winsBhabua, defeats BJP's Rinki Rani Pandey by 10,045 votes

Meanwhile, check out results of bypolls in 59 constituencies

BJP forges ahead in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana. BJP candidate wins in Karnataka's RR Nagar bypoll seat. Congress wins in Haryana. NDA races forward in Bihar, with the saffron party taking the bigger share in the alliance. As counting for votes begin, nation awaits the results for 58 Assembly constituencies across 11 states including Bihar.

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EC declares result for 31 constituencies

Results declared for 31 of the total 243 seats - BJP wins 10, RJD 8, JD(U) 6, Congress & Vikassheel Insaan Party 2 each, and AIMIM, CPI & CPI(M) 1 each. NDA leading on 121 seats Mahagathbandhan on 116 AIMIM on 5 BSP on 1 Independent on 2

Bihar Minister Mangal Pandey reaches Nitish Kumar's residence

Bihar Minister Mangal Pandey arrives at the residence of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Patna. As per the latest Election Commission of India (ECI) trends, NDA is leading on 121 seats.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as NDA maintains lead over Mahagathbandhan in Bihar polls: Sources

Nearly half of 4.11 crore votes have been counted till 5:30pm: Sudeep Jain

The total number of votes counted till 5:30 pm is around 2.7 crores out of total 4.11 crore votes: Deputy Election Commissioners Sudeep Jain, Chandrabhushan Kumar.

As far as Bihar is concerned, on the whole 7737 scheduled rounds were there, of which 4858 have been completed. 119 constituencies have done more than half of the work which was there for counting: Deputy Election Commissioner, Ashish Kundra

Poll panel results to come late tonight: EC

Counting process to continue with Covid-19 protocols, says Bihar CEO

Vikassheel Insaan Party's Swarna Singh defeatsRashtriya Janata Dal Afzal Ali Khan by7280 votes inGaura Bauram constituency

BJP's Anil Kumar wins Bathnaha constituency with46818 votes, defeats Congress' Sanjay Ram

Watch | JD(U) workers celebrate as NDA leads in 123 seats

BJP'sJibesh Kumar defeats Cong's Maskoor Ahmad Usmani with21796 votes in Jale constituency

BJP'sAwadhesh Singh wins inHajipur constituency with2990 votes

Bihar Polls: How RJD's fortunes have changed from 2010 to 2020

In a hotly-contested Assembly election held amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Bihar is learning who it has chosen to rule for the next five years. From national parties like the BJP and Congress, to state parties like the JD(U) and RJD, all are in the fray for the control of the state Assembly.

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RJD, BJP, and JD(U) win two seats each so far, Vikassheel Insaan Party wins one

BJP's tact of using AMIM has succeeded to an extent in Bihar, says Cong leader Adhir

BJP's tact of using (Asaduddin) Owaisi Sahab's party in the Bihar elections has succeeded to an extent. All secular parties should be alert about vote cutter Owaisi Sahab: Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury

No dispute regarding NDA leader in Bihar: state BJP chief

With the NDA leading in 128 of the 243 seats in Bihar assembly, BJP state chiefSanjayJaiswalsaid that there is no dispute regarding who will lead the government if the alliance returns to power in the state.

A party or a coalition requires 122 seats to form the government in Bihar.

"The issue has been cleared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief J P Nadda much before the elections," he said, while responding to a query whether Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will lead the NDA government if the alliance secures a majority in the assembly.

JD(U)'s Shashibhushan Hajari wins by 7222 votes in Kusheshwar Asthan constituency

Grand Alliance will form government in Bihar, assures RJD

We are in touch with candidates and workers from all fields and the information received from all the districts is in our favor. Counting will occur till late night. The government of the Grand Alliance is sure. Bihar has changed. All candidates and counting agents remain in the counting hall until the counting of votes is completed: RJD

I have 0 votes in those booths where the activists went in front of me and cast their vote!, says Pushpam Priya, chief of Plurals Party

Rashtriya Janata Dal's Lalit Kumar Yadav wins Faraz Fatmi with 2,141 votes inDarbhanga Rural constituency

P Chidambaram backs EVM system, says it is 'accurate, robust'

Whatever be the outcome of any election, it's time to stop blaming the EVM. In my experience, the EVM system is robust, accurate and dependable: P Chidambaram

Sanjay Saraogi of BJP wins Darbhanga seat by over 10,000 votes: EC

BJP workers celebrate as latest trends show NDA ahead of Mahagathbandhan

Watch latest videos on Bihar Election Result 2020 here

Counting for Bihar assembly polls to continue till late tonight; over one crore votes counted so far: Election Commission

Counting will take extra time due to 63 pc more EVMs than 2015 Bihar polls as COVID-19 protocol needed additional polling booths: EC

BJP supporters celebrate as party maintains lead in Bihar

Bihar Assembly Election: With hopes held high for Tejashwi, are chances of Lalu's early release heightened?

As RJD-led Mahagatbandhan waspredicted to have a greater chance of winning in the 2020 Bihar Assembly election during the exit polls, the party's supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, who is now detained in jail, can expect an early release, if his youngestson Tejashwi Yadav makes it to the Chief Ministerchair.

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We will see you in a few hours: RJD MP challenges NDA

We will see you in a few hours and will prove that we did what we had said: Manoj Jha, RJD MP The RJD-led Mahagathbandhan is ahead on 103 seats, behind NDA which is leading on over 125 seats.

As per law, all postal ballots received till 8 am today are to be taken up for counting. It means postal ballots received at counting centres till at 8 am today need to be taken up for counting. Data related to it will be available at the level of concerned returning officer: ECI

Tejashwi calls Rahul Gandhi and says 'MGB: Mar Gaye Bhai': Babul Supriyo after NDA extends lead

Tejashwi calls Rahul Gandhi & says: MGB = Mar Gaye Bhai !! and I am saying it very seriously, yes all puns are V much intended. How dare people in jail & bail think that Bihar will forget all that? After all it was them on the ground who faced the torture of the ‘Jungla Raj’?: Babul Supriyo

Glitch-free counting process so far: ECI

Needless to say that there has been an absolutely glitch-free counting process so far. Slightly more than 1 crore votes have been counted in Bihar which means that there is significant ground to be covered yet: Election Commission of India (ECI)

There is a 63% increase in poll booths due to Covid-19, says Deputy Election Commissioner

Ruling NDA ahead in over half of 243 assembly seats; BJP set to outperform alliance partner JDU, according to trends

The counting to continue till late evening, says Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar

Around 4.10 crore votes were cast, 92 lakh votes counted so far. Earlier there used to be 25-26 rounds of counting, this time it went up to around 35 rounds. So the counting will continue till late evening: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar, HR Srinivas

Bihar Polls: How NOTA's vote share has changed between 2015 and 2020

The counting of votes is underway in the Bihar Assembly elections, with major political parties and alliances vying for power for the next five years in the politically-important state. While there were a number of star campaigners battling for votes during the three-phase polls, a small group of voters chose to exercise another option: 'None of the Above' (NOTA).

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10 key takeaways from Bihar Election results 2020

After a neck-and-neck battle between the Tejashwi Yadav-led Mahagathbandhan and Nitish Kumar-led NDA in the first half of the counting day, the saffron alliance isgainingthe edge, defying predictions of the Bihar exit polls. Most of the exit polls ...

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BJP's Nand Kishore Yadav leads by over 3,600 votes in Patna Sahib seat

Bihar minister & BJP leader Nand Kishore Yadav, who was initially trailing Pravin Singh of Congress, now leads by over 3,600 votes in Patna Sahib seat.

HAM's Jitan Ram Manjhi leads in Imamganj constituency

After trailing in early trends, Hindustani Awam Morcha's (Secular) Jitan Ram Manjhi has gained flipped the table and is now leading by 244 votes in Imamganj constituency. RJD'sUday Narain Choudhary is closely following him.

BJP's Parshuram Chaubey leads over Congress rival Sanjay Tiwari by 2,600 votes in Buxar seat.

Bihar minister and BJP leader Brij Kishor Bind leads over BSP rival Md Hamza Khan by 321 votes in Chainpur seat.

BJP supporters celebrate in Patna after NDA crosses halfway mark

Bihar results: We are losing due to Covid-19 impact, says KC Tyagi on initial trends

RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav secures lead of nearly 150 votes over JDU's Raj Kumar Ray in Hasanpur seat.

Bihar Election Constituency-wise Result 2020 live updates: NDA crosses halfway mark in ECI trends on 242 seats

Almost all the exit polls have forecast victory for the RJD-helmed Mahagathbandhan over their NDA in the three-phase Bihar polls. Congress and the Left Parties-CPI, CPI(M) and CPI (ML) are members of the opposition grouping in the Bihar elections. The exit polls are indicating an increase of seats for the Congress and other allies along with that of the Rashtriya Janata Dal. Congress had 25 legislators in the outgoing Bihar assembly. RJD had 80 MLAs in the previous house and CPI-ML (3). Stay tuned for more updates.

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Bypolls results 2020 live updates: BJP pulls ahead in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand

BJP takes the lead in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka's Sira constituency. Congress leading on one of the five Assembly seats of Manipur. As counting for votes begin, nation awaits the results for 54 Assembly constituencies across 10 states including 28 in Madhya Pradesh, eight in Gujarat, seven in Uttar Pradesh, two each in Jharkhand, Karnataka, Nagaland and Odisha and one each in Chhattisgarh, Haryana, and Telangana, will reflect of the nation's political mood today.

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RJD's Kiran Devi leads over LJP's Shweta Singh by over 4,200 votes in Sandesh seat.

Congress candidate Luv Sinha, son of party leader Shatrughan Sinha- trailing behind BJP's Nitin Nabin from Bankipur seat, as per Election Commission trends

HAM president and former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi trailing behind Uday Narain Choudhary of RJD by 1,340 votes in Imamganj seat

In Raghopur constituency, RJD's Tejashwi Yadav is leading by 455 votes against BJP's Satish Kumar

RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav trails behind JD(U)'s Raj Kumar by 1,365 votes in Hasanpur seat

Early trends of counting in Bihar assembly polls: RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav trails behind JD(U)'s Raj KumarRay by 1,365 votes in Hasanpur seat.

Bihar minister and BJP leader Nand Kishore Yadav trails behind Pravin Singh of Congress by 1,778 votes in Patna Sahib seat

Trends of all 243 seats in Bihar are out, Mahagathbandhan and NDA in a close contest

EC trends for 104 of 243 seats: NDA leading on 52 seats - BJP 28, JDU 20, Vikassheel Insaan Party 4 Mahagathbandhan ahead on 46 seats - RJD 29, Congress 12, Left 5 BSP has a lead on two seats, Lok Jan Shakti Party on three while AIMIM is ahead on one

In Pic | Counting underway in Patna

Nitish Kumar's JD(U) struggles, BJP leads

Early trends indicated thatNitish Kumar's JD(U) was dragging NDA's numbers down. As of now, BJP is leading in 59 seats and JD(U) is leading in 38 seats.

Out of 158 seats, NDA leading on 79 seats, Mahagathbandhan on 76. Others: 3

According to official Election Commission trends, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leads on Darbhanga assembly seat

Supporters of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav stand outside his residence in Patna

Early trends show neck-and-neck battle between NDA and Mahagathbandhan

Early trends show neck-and-neck competition between Nitish Kumar-led NDA and Tejashwi Yadav-led Mahagathbandhan.

As of 8:37 am, the Mahagathbandhan was leading in 52 constituencies, while the NDA was leading in 43 seats.

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Counting of votes for Bihar underway at Narayan College in Patna

Bihar Assembly Election 2020: Can Modi wave still work for the BJP or will it settle as ripples?

The year was 2015. Bihar saw a record 56.8% voter turnout for the Assembly Elections. And the state was struck by the first wave of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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'Son-rise' in Bihar polls: Will Tejashwi Yadav make it big?

As the Bihar Assembly Elections get interesting by the day, young politician and Rashtriya Janata Dal’s (RJD) heir Tejashwi Yadav has embarked on the journey to take on the Nitish Kumar-Narendra Modi duo.

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Is Bihar politics up for another turn?

In line with intriguing twists and turns in NDA Bihar, Ram Vilas Paswan’s LJP on Friday slammed Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s key plank of “Saat Nischay” programme as the den of corruption and expressed confidence that the next government of Bihar will implement LJP’s ‘Bihar First, Bihari First Vision Document’.

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Counting of votes begins for 243-member Bihar Assembly seats

Bihar Polls: In Lalu Prasad's bastion Raghopur, no walkover for Tejashwi Yadav

He is hopping from one region to another daily to drum up support for the Grand Alliance so that he could become the chief minister of Bihar, but winning his own seat won't be easy for Tejashwi Yadav who is up against an experienced BJP rival in Raghopur constituency.