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Patna, Nov 14 (IANS) Bihar BJP president Dilip Jaiswal on Friday said the ruling NDA will form the government in the state with an “overwhelming majority”, adding that the people have faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Counting of votes for all 243 constituencies in the Bihar Assembly elections is underway amid elaborate, multi-layered security arrangements.
Speaking to IANS, Jaiswal said, “It was clear from the facial expressions of the people and supporters during the first and second phase of elections that they are ready to form the NDA government once again. The public mandate is indicating a strong trend that the NDA government is going to be formed in Bihar with an overwhelming majority.”
He said, “The public has faith in the NDA. People trust PM Modi’s guarantees and CM Nitish Kumar’s development efforts in the state. Women empowerment, employment and overall development are the factors in this election. The NDA will definitely form the government again.”
The counting of votes began with the processing of postal ballots at 8 am, followed by counting of votes from electronic voting machines (EVMs) at 8.30 am, with candidates and their agents allowed to monitor security outside the inner perimeter.
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.
The NDA currently has 131 seats, which includes 80 from BJP, 45 from JDU, 4 from HAM(S) and two independents.
Meanwhile, the opposition has 111 seats – RJD has 77, Congress has 19, CPI (ML) has 11, CPI (M) has 2 and CPI has 2 seats.
–IANS
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