India, Nov. 14 -- Counting of votes for the 243 member Bihar assembly elections began at 8am on Friday, with initial trends indicating the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is ahead in several seats in postal ballots.

As per early trends at 9 am, NDA was leading on 124 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan was ahead on 66; Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party was leading on two seats.

The Election Commission, however, is yet to come out with official figures.

The two-phase Bihar elections are being viewed as a crucial test for JD(U) president Nitish Kumar, the state's longest-serving CM, whose political stock has been under scrutiny following shifting alliances and anti-incumbency sentiments.

Political observers say the results will also be...