Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is set for a win in the Lok Sabha election. But INDI Alliance has given it a tough fight defying exit poll predictions. Among the big states, the results of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra are not going the way the ruling alliance hoped. However, Bihar might give the NDA a reason to cheer.
Trends show the NDA ahead
Trends show the Modi-led alliance leading in 29 seats in Bihar with INDI Alliance leading in nine seats. However, this lead is 10 less than what it won in 2019.
The Opposition won only one seat in the last general election. It is up by eight seats this year.
In Bihar, BJP leader and Union Minister Giriraj Singh was leading in his Begusarai Lok Sabha seat. The other senior party leader Ravi Shankar Prasad is also leading from Patna Sahib.
Trends also show Jitan Ram Manjhi leading in the Gaya constituency. Founder of Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), the former Bihar chief minister is part of the NDA alliance.
BJP candidates are leading in Paschim Champaran, Purvi Champaran, Araria, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Maharajganj, and Nawada seats. The candidates of its alliance partner Janata Dal (United) are leading in Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Supaul, Kishanganj, Purnea, Madhepura, Gopalganj, Banka, Munger and Nalanda seats, reports The Indian Express.
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The Nitish factor
The BJP decided to mend ways with its old ally Nitish Kumar. That seems to work in favour of the saffron party.
In late January, Nitish Kumar quit the Mahagathbandhan and the opposition bloc INDIA, and staked claim to form a new government with the BJP, which he had dumped less than 18 months ago. It’s why he has earned the moniker “paltu ram”.
Now, the Nitish-led JD(U) appears to have played a key role in the NDA’s win.
The exit polls
According to News18 Mega exit poll, NDA was projected to win 31 to 34 of 40 seats in the state. INDI Alliance was expected to win six to nine seats.
The NDA was likely to get 29-33 seats and INDIA bloc would settle for 7-10 seats, Axis My India had predicted.
The 2019 and 2014 tally
In the Lok Sabha election 2019, BJP won 17 Lok Sabha seats, securing 23.58 per cent vote share while the Janata Dal (United) won 16 seats securing 21.81 per cent vote share. The Congress had bagged only one seat.
In the 2014 elections, the BJP won 22 seats with 29.38 per cent vote share; the JD9(U) won two seats with 15.78 per cent vote share. The Congress registered a win in only two.
With inputs from agencies
