Bihar stands on the edge of a political cliffhanger. As counting begins on Friday for the high-stakes Assembly elections, the big question is whether Nitish Kumar, the state’s longest-serving chief minister, will script history with a record fifth term or whether a change of guard is on the cards.

Most exit polls have given the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) a clear edge over the Mahagathbandhan, setting the stage for what could be one of Bihar’s most closely watched results in years. The outcome will hinge on whether Nitish Kumar’s two-decade-old promise of sushasan (good governance) still holds sway over an electorate that turned out in record numbers.

Counting of votes across 46 centres will begin at 8 am, with early trends expected by 9 am. The results will determine the

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