Patna: As the counting day draws near in Bihar after a fiercely contested campaign followed by a record voter turnout in the assembly polls, both the BJP-led NDA and the INDIA bloc have expressed confidence in their prospects, with the ruling alliance interpreting the high polling as a renewed mandate for good governance, and the Opposition terming it as a clear sign of the public’s desire for a change.

The crucial outcome on Friday will make it clear whether Nitish Kumar, the JD(U) president and the longest-serving Chief Minister, has enough public support to secure a record fifth consecutive term, or the people have opted for a change.

Exit polls have been nearly unanimous in predicting a clean sweep for the NDA, of which the JD(U) is a part, much to the annoyance of the opposition IN

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