PATNA: The BJP and JD(U) were locked in a tight contest for largest party status on Friday morning as early trends showed both parties racing almost neck-and-neck, even as the NDA maintained a decisive lead in the Bihar Assembly polls.
According to the Election Commission of India's update at 11:15 a.m., the JD(U) was leading in 79 seats, while the BJP was ahead of its ally with 83 seats. Together, the NDA was leading in 188 constituencies, leaving the Mahagathbandhan far behind with 44 seats.
The counting process for all 243 Assembly seats commenced at 8 a.m., beginning with the scrutiny of postal ballots. This was followed by the counting of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) votes from 8.30 a.m., taking place under extensive multi-tier security arrangements across the state.