The Bahujan Samaj Party emerged victorious in the Nautan constituency.

Independent candidate Shanti Sharma won the Ghosi seat. She is wife of JD-U MP from Jehanabad Jagdish Sharma, who backed her against the official party candidate.

RJD's Uday Manjhi surprised all by defeating JD-U's Shyam Rajak on Phulwarisharief in Patna. Rajak had deserted RJD for JD-U just two months ago. Similarly, former minister Ramai Ram was defeated in Bochaha seat. Ram had joined the JD-U after quitting the Congress.

Nitish Kumar had turned this seat as a prestige issue by campaigning here like never before.

The bye-elections for 18 seats were held in two phases in the state. In the first phase on Sep 10 polls were conducted in seven constituencies, while the rest went to polls Sep 15. The counting of votes started Thursday.

The elections are being seen as a mini-referendum for the Nitish Kumar government ahead of state assembly polls next year.