Patna:  The National Democratic Alliance appears to be heading for a major victory in the Bihar assembly elections, with early counting placing the coalition far ahead of the opposition. The strong performance has once again brought Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to the center of Bihar politics, with many calling him the key force behind the alliance’s surge.

As counting progressed, the NDA showed clear dominance across most regions, leaving the opposition bloc struggling to keep pace. Reports indicated that JD U and the BJP together were leading in a large majority of the 243 seats, suggesting that the ruling alliance may be on its way to forming the government with a comfortable margin.

Political observers say Nitish Kumar’s image as an experienced administrator, along with the NDA’s intensive campaign, played a major role in shaping voter preference. Analysts also point out that JD U performed strongly in several areas where issues related to welfare schemes and grassroots outreach had greater influence.

Meanwhile, the opposition alliance, which had entered the election hoping for a comeback, faced setbacks as its leads remained limited. Several of its senior leaders admitted that the early trends were disappointing, although they said they would wait for the final count.

The election took place against the backdrop of concerns over unemployment, migration, rural distress, and complaints about voter roll revisions. Despite these challenges, the voting turnout remained high, showing strong public engagement in the electoral process.

If the trends continue, Nitish Kumar is likely to retain power with renewed authority within the alliance. The final results will confirm how each party has performed and what the new political balance in Bihar will look like.