On Wednesday, RJD leader and Mahagathbandhan's chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav rejected the exit poll predictions for the Bihar assembly elections. Most of these polls favored the NDA, with many analysts suggesting that the Mahagathbandhan would not succeed in forming the government. Yadav stated that he does not dwell in false hope or misconceptions.
During a press conference in Patna, Yadav alleged that exit polls were being published, forecasting the BJP-JD(U) alliance's win in the assembly elections, even as people were still queuing to cast their votes and the polling process was ongoing.
He stated, 'Yesterday, individuals waited in lengthy lines to vote, even as late as six or seven in the evening. They patiently stood by to cast their ballots. Meanwhile, as voting continued, exit polls started to appear. We do not dwell in unrealistic optimism or misconceptions. These polls are released solely to exert psychological influence and pressure on the election officials.'
The RJD leader also raised concerns about the sample size and criteria of the surveys, noting that these details had not been disclosed. He stated, 'If you inquire with anyone presenting these surveys about the sample size, none can provide an answer. Neither the sample size nor the survey criteria have been revealed to the public.'
‘Mahagathbandhan collected feedback’
Tejashwi mentioned that the Mahagathbandhan gathered feedback from voters post-election, asserting that the response was favorable and indicating that change was imminent.
He stated, 'Following the conclusion of the election, we gathered feedback from the public, and the responses have been overwhelmingly positive. Previously, we never received such favorable feedback. It's fair to say that the feedback this time surpasses what we received during the 1995 elections.'
The RJD leader stated, "A significant number of people have voted against the current administration, and this time, change is inevitable. I had previously mentioned that the results would be announced on the 14th, and the swearing-in ceremony will take place on the 18th."
2025 Bihar election exit surveys
Dainik Bhaskar estimated that the NDA would secure 145-160 seats, the Mahagathbandhan 73-91 seats, and Jan Suraaj 0-3 seats. The Matrize Exit Poll predicted the NDA would likely win 147-167 seats, the Mahagathbandhan 70-90 seats, and Jan Suraaj 0-2 seats. People's Pulse allocated 133-159 seats to the NDA, 75-101 to the Mahagathbandhan, and 0-5 to Prashant Kishore's Jan Suraaj party.
Election survey agencies create exit poll forecasts by conducting surveys with sample groups across various constituencies in the state. These agencies interview voters as they exit polling stations after voting. Nonetheless, exit polls do not always accurately predict the actual election outcomes, as past instances have shown them to be incorrect.
The vote counting is scheduled for Friday, November 14.