JD(U) springs a surprise in Bihar, as BJP falters

Although the NDA is doing well in Bihar, the major takeaway from the counting trends till around 12.30 pm is that the Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) is holding fort and showing signs of putting up a better show than its ally the BJP. Of the 16 seats it had contested, the JD(U) could win up to 14 seats, while the BJP — which contested on 17 seats — could lose 3-5 seats.

If poll trends convert into results, JD(U) would get a fresh lease of life, more so when its supreme leader and CM Nitish Kumar is not in the best of health. The party’s good show could also have a direct impact on state politics, as the BJP would be forced to give Nitish a longer rope to continue as CM till the next Assembly polls. After the exit polls, where the NDA was predicted to sweep, there was speculation that the BJP could ask Nitish to join the Union Cabinet, leaving the CM chair for the BJP to decide. But with JD(U) now emerging as a critical NDA constituent in Delhi, the BJP would be forced to keep Nitish in good humour.

As of now, the JD(U) is trailing only on two of the seats it fought — Jehanabad and Kishanganj. Nitish Kumar, who couldn’t pull big crowds during campaigning, looks to keep his vote bank intact, despite heavy campaigning by BJP’s top drawer, PM Modi.