Patna: The counting of votes for the Bihar Assembly elections began at 8 am today, setting the stage for a decisive day in the state’s political calendar. Results for all 243 seats are expected by late evening, with tight security deployed at counting centres across districts. Early trends are generating significant buzz, especially around constituencies contested by well-known strongmen or their family members — a total of 15 such seats this year.
Out of these, eight candidates with strongman backgrounds are in the fray from the NDA, while seven are contesting on Mahagathbandhan tickets. These constituencies are among the most closely watched as they typically record high voter mobilisation and intense cadre-level battles.
One of the most keenly anticipated contests is in Mokama, where Anant Singh is pitted against Veena Devi, wife of former MP Suraj Bhan Singh. Polling agents from both sides reported to the counting centre early, monitoring every round closely. Meanwhile, supporters at both households have already begun preparations for a celebratory feast, anticipating a favourable outcome.
Several other high-profile candidates are also drawing attention. These include Reetlal Yadav in Danapur, Hulas Pandey in Brahmapur, Osama Shahab — son of the late Shahabuddin — in Raghunathpur, Anita Mahto, wife of Ashok Mahto, in Warisliganj, and Shivani Shukla, daughter of Munna Shukla, in Lalganj.
As counting progresses, these constituencies are expected to shape the day’s major talking points, with political observers closely tracking every shift in early leads. The final results will determine not only the balance of power in the state but also the future of several political dynasties entrenched in Bihar’s electoral landscape.
