Daijiworld Media Network - Patna

Patna, Nov 14: As the vote count continues in the Bihar Assembly elections, BJP national spokesperson Shahzad Poonawala attributed the early trends to what he described as a powerful pro-incumbency wave favouring the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking to reporters about the initial results, Poonawala said, “If the government in Bihar is returning to power, it clearly points to a strong pro-incumbency under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership — a trend visible since 2014. Prime Minister Modi has already secured three consecutive terms at the Centre.”

He went on to highlight the NDA’s widening influence across multiple states, noting, “Since entering the political arena, he has guided the NDA to form governments in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana, Assam, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and more.”

Poonawala stressed that the current trends are part of a broader, long-term pattern showing the BJP-led coalition’s consistent growth. According to him, the early numbers from Bihar reflect voters’ desire for continuity, stability, and what the party identifies as a development-driven governance model.

The initial trends also positioned the BJP as the frontrunner in the Assembly race, at one point leading in 85 of the 243 seats.

By 1:30 p.m., the BJP had extended its lead to 90 seats, maintaining its status as the single largest party. Meanwhile, its ally — the Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) — was ahead in 81 constituencies.

Both parties, key pillars of the NDA, are eyeing a comfortable majority to return to power under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Earlier, at 11:00 a.m., the JD(U) was leading with 83 seats while the BJP held the lead in 78. Within just 30 minutes, the momentum shifted sharply in favour of the BJP, allowing it to surpass its coalition partner.

As per the latest Election Commission trends, the NDA holds leads in 200 seats, leaving the Opposition Mahagathbandhan trailing significantly with 37.