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Patna, November 14 (IANS) Counting of votes for Bihar Assembly elections has started on Friday, initial trends show the ruling NDA getting a huge lead over the Grand Alliance.
Counting of votes for all 243 constituencies in the Bihar Assembly elections is underway amid elaborate, multi-layered security arrangements. The counting of votes began at 8 am with the processing of postal ballots, followed by counting of votes from electronic voting machines (EVMs) at 8.30 am.
According to the Election Commission of India (ECI) early trends at 9 am, BJP is leading in Aurai, Sahebganj, Baruraj, Digha and Rajnagar assembly seats.
RJD is leading on two seats, Baniapur and Danapur.
Candidates of all political parties expressed confidence of winning the elections.
NDA said that the people of Bihar have shown confidence in the guarantee of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the work of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the development of the state. Meanwhile, the Grand Alliance’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) expressed confidence that this time it is a ‘vote for change’ in Bihar and Tejashwi Yadav will form the government.
Speaking to IANS, Minister Ashok Chaudhary says, “Some people have voted to reject ‘Jungle Raj 2’ and bring back Nitish Kumar. We will get a clear majority.”
Speaking to IANS, Tejashwi said, “There will be change, government will be formed,” as the counting progressed, indicating his confidence in the election result and mandate.
Meanwhile, the counting of votes is being monitored by 243 returning officers and 243 counting observers appointed by the Election Commission. There are also more than 18,000 counting agents appointed by the candidates to oversee the process.
Only persons with valid passes are allowed entry into the counting centres, and use of mobile phones inside the counting halls is strictly prohibited.
More than 70 crore voters have cast their votes to decide the fate of the Grand Alliance and the ruling NDA in Bihar.
Bihar Assembly elections were held in two phases on 6 and 11 November.
In the current Assembly, the NDA has 131 seats, including BJP 80, JD(U) 45, HAM(S) 4 and two independents, while the opposition has 111 seats – RJD has 77, Congress 19, CPI(ML) 11, CPI(M) 2 and CPI(M) 2.
–IANS
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