New Delhi, Oct 7 (NationPress) The BJP and JD(U) on Tuesday embraced the results of the IANS-Matrize News Communications opinion poll, which indicated a strong lead for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections.

The survey forecasted a 49 percent vote share and 150-160 seats for the NDA in the 243-member Bihar Assembly.

Leaders from both BJP and JD(U) shared their confidence in the poll outcomes, asserting that the NDA is set for a resounding win. Conversely, the Congress party dismissed the survey, contending that the INDIA bloc would triumph in the elections.

Bihar Minister Ashok Choudhary remarked to IANS, “We believe we will secure even more seats than anticipated -- around 180-185. Our performance will surpass that of 2020. Bihar lacks a leader like Nitish Kumar, who is pro-people, and we will undoubtedly gain from that.”

JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha stated, “I’ve reviewed the survey, and I believe the numbers will only enhance as the voting date approaches. Elections have been announced in Bihar, and Rahul Gandhi is overseas. He cannot win Bihar with part-time politics.”

Bihar BJP Chief Dilip Jaiswal expressed, “It’s uncertain if we’ll exceed 200 seats, but the contributions of Nitish Kumar and PM Modi to Bihar’s development make it evident that Bihar will advance under PM Modi’s assurance.”

JD(U)’s Neeraj Kumar also endorsed the survey, stating, “I refrain from political speech, but Nitish Kumar’s efforts and the NDA’s initiatives speak for themselves throughout Bihar. People have turned their backs on those who accumulated wealth through politics. Prashant Kishor, now leading a party, is merely starting a new venture.”

BJP MP Brij Lal affirmed, “The survey is precise. The NDA will secure a substantial majority. I’ve witnessed Lalu Yadav’s Jungle Raj -- those times are gone. The BJP will establish the next government in Bihar.”

Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput countered, “We reject the survey. We don’t have faith in any poll. We are confident that on November 14, the INDIA bloc will win with a significant majority. This survey will be proven inaccurate.”

The survey, titled "Bihar Vidhan Sabha Chunav Opinion Poll-2025," positions the ruling NDA, spearheaded by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD-U and the BJP, as the frontrunner, indicating a possible consolidation of power amid ongoing discussions on unemployment, migration, and governance.

According to the IANS-Matrize poll, the NDA's projected vote share signifies a remarkable increase from the 37.3 percent it obtained in the 2020 elections, where it narrowly secured victory despite a near tie in popular votes with the opposition.

The BJP is projected to lead the alliance with 21 percent of the votes and 80-85 seats, reflecting its growing organizational strength in the state.

JD-U follows closely with 18 percent of the votes and 60-65 seats, highlighting Nitish Kumar's persistent appeal among certain voter demographics despite his frequent changes in alliances, as per the survey. Smaller partners like Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) at 2 percent (3-6 seats), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (LJP(R)) at 6 percent (4-6 seats), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) at 2 percent (1-2 seats) contribute to the coalition's strong total.

On the opposition side, the Mahagathbandhan is anticipated to achieve 36 percent of the votes and 70-85 seats, a slight decrease from its 37.2 percent in 2020.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), under Tejashwi Yadav, remains the alliance's powerhouse with 21 percent of the votes and 60-65 seats, positioning it as a “direct challenger” to the NDA's supremacy, according to the survey.

The Indian National Congress (INC) is estimated to secure 8 percent (7-10 seats), while left-leaning parties such as the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation (CPI(ML)L) at 4 percent (6-9 seats), CPI at 1 percent (0-1 seats), and CPI(M) at 1 percent (0-1 seats) contribute ideological depth.

The Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), which was part of the NDA in 2020, has transitioned to the INDIA Bloc, projected at 1 percent (2-4 seats). The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) is expected to receive 1 percent of the votes and 1-3 seats, targeting minority voters in Seemanchal regions.