Patna: The BJP-led NDA Friday took early lead in 22 of the 40 Bihar seats as officials counted the votes polled in the Lok Sabha elections.
The UPA led by the Congress-RJD combine in the state was ahead in 8 seats and ruling JD-U was leading in only two seats.
The BJP and its ally LJP and RLSP candidates forged ahead, among others, in Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, Sheohar, Jamui, Hajipur, Araria.
The RJD is leading in Patliputra, Banka, the Congress is leading in Kishanganj, and the NCP in Katihar.
In 2009, the NDA won 32 seats, including the BJP 12 and JD-U 20. Now both parties are contesting alone.
The Congress won 2 seats and the RJD 4 seats. Two seats were won by Independents.