( Credit:TIN)
Patna: In the latest Axis My India exit poll, Tejashwi Yadav remains the most popular leader in Bihar. Around 34% of respondents said they want him as the next Chief Minister. This is despite predictions that the NDA alliance, led by BJP and JDU, could secure a comfortable majority in the state assembly. Tejashwi’s strong connection with the youth and his focus on jobs and inflation seem to be keeping his popularity intact.
While Tejashwi leads in personal popularity, the survey shows 22% of voters still support current Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to retain power. Many voters believe Nitish’s long administrative experience and stable governance are his biggest strengths. However, the survey also suggests that his popularity has declined compared to previous elections, with several voters shifting their emotional connect toward younger leaders.
The survey reveals that 14% of voters want another BJP leader, not Nitish, to lead the government. Around 5% of respondents chose Chirag Paswan, reflecting a limited but loyal following for the LJP chief. Interestingly, 4% of people said they would prefer political strategist Prashant Kishor as Chief Minister, marking a surprising rise in his recognition despite his party being new in Bihar politics.
The findings indicate that while the NDA may form the next government, the emotional wave among the masses still leans toward Tejashwi Yadav. His consistent focus on unemployment, education, and price rise has made him a voice for the youth. Over the past few years, Tejashwi has worked to shift his image from being Lalu Prasad Yadav’s son to being an independent, credible leader.
According to most exit polls, the NDA is projected to win between 130 to 160 seats, a clear majority in the 243-member Bihar Assembly. The Mahagathbandhan, led by RJD, is trailing with a predicted 70 to 110 seats. These numbers indicate that while Tejashwi may be Bihar’s most liked leader, political arithmetic still favors the NDA alliance for now.
This year’s results show an interesting split — NDA may dominate in seat count, but Tejashwi dominates in popularity. Political experts believe such a divide means the opposition has strong emotional backing even if it lacks seats. This could make Tejashwi an even stronger challenger in future elections, setting up Bihar for intense political competition ahead.
As the final counting approaches, all eyes are on whether this popularity for Tejashwi will translate into votes. For now, NDA’s structural strength gives it the edge, but the youth-driven affection for Tejashwi suggests a shifting political mood. Bihar’s political battleground is clearly divided — between established power and rising appeal — and that tension will define its future leadership story.
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