Stakes are high for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and Mahagathbandhan, even as exit polls — 11 of them — are predicting a comfortable win for Nitish Kumar & Co in the two-phased election to the 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly. However, the polling, held on 6 and 11 November, sprang a surprise, which has won the curiosity of political pundits.

According to the Election Commission of India, Bihar polled 66.19 percent, the highest turnout recorded since 1951. In 2020, the turnout was 57.29 percent.

Here’s what has made pundits curious: Governments changed whenever Bihar recorded an increased voter turnout — a phenomenon seen in 1967, 1980 and 1990.

The NDA fought the election seeking a third term for Nitish Kumar, and a mandate validating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 11 ye

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