Gayaji, Nov 14 (NationPress) Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, representing the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), expressed that it was evident from the outset that the NDA would take the reins of governance in the Bihar Assembly elections.

In an interview with IANS, Manjhi stated, "It was clear from the very start that the NDA would secure power. I had previously predicted that we would clinch approximately 160 seats and that the NDA would emerge victorious. Nitish Kumar is set to be our Chief Minister. I am reiterating this now as the early trends align perfectly with our expectations."

He also addressed remarks made by RJD MLC Sunil Singh, who warned of potential electoral fraud, claiming it could make Bihar resemble another Nepal or Bangladesh.

"Instilling fear and intimidation is their standard tactic. Having previously held power, they believe that those counting votes will be intimidated. However, this is Bihar, the land of Ashoka and Buddha. Such strategies will not succeed here. Legal measures have already been initiated, and an FIR has been filed. Should any irregularities occur in the future, legal actions will follow. Nitish Kumar's government will be established in Bihar. I congratulate the citizens for their support of the double-engine government," he told IANS.

As per trends, HAM is projected to secure six seats.

Initial data from the Election Commission of India (ECI) indicates that the BJP is on track to become the largest party in the Bihar Assembly elections, currently leading in 89 of the 243 seats.

By 1:10 p.m., the BJP was ahead in 90 seats, solidifying its status as the single largest party, while Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) was leading in 80 seats.

Both parties, allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), are striving for victory to re-establish a government under Nitish Kumar.

At 11:00 a.m., the JD(U) was leading in 83 seats, whereas the BJP was ahead in 78 seats. The competition intensified within the next half-hour as the allied parties closely vied for the title of largest party.

The NDA is currently leading in a total of 198 seats, with the Mahagathbandhan trailing at 39.

Counting for all 243 Assembly seats commenced at 8 a.m., starting with postal ballot scrutiny, followed by the counting of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) votes at 8:30 a.m., all under stringent multi-tier security measures across the state.

Candidates from both coalitions expressed confidence in their respective performances. NDA leaders asserted that the people of Bihar have shown faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitments and Nitish Kumar's efforts towards the state's development.

The Mahagathbandhan, led by the RJD, contended that Bihar had "voted for change" and expressed hope that Tejashwi Yadav would lead the next government.

The counting process is being conducted under the supervision of 243 Returning Officers and an equivalent number of Counting Observers appointed by the Election Commission.

Over 18,000 counting agents representing various candidates are present at the centers to closely monitor the proceedings.

Entry into counting centers is strictly limited to individuals with valid passes, and mobile phones are completely prohibited inside the counting halls.

The election saw participation from over 70 crore voters, who cast their ballots to determine the fate of both the ruling NDA and the Mahagathbandhan. The polling took place in two phases, on November 6 and 11.

In the outgoing Assembly, the NDA holds 131 seats, comprising 80 from the BJP, 45 from the JD(U), four from HAM(S), and two Independents. The Opposition bloc comprises 111 seats, with the RJD holding 77, Congress 19, CPI(ML) 11, CPI(M) two, and CPI two.