Patna: National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is locked in a neck and neck fight with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led secular alliance in Bihar with both sides leading in eight Lok Sabha seats each as initial trends were available for 16 of the 37 seats till 1000 hrs (IST).

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was ahead in Patna, Bhagalpur and Katihar while its ally JD-U was leading in Khagaria, Nalanda, Barh, Muzaffarpur and Maharajganj.

Elections 2004-Where is India heading...
Political Parties in India

RJD was marching ahead in Darbhanga, Vaishali, Madhepur and Jhanjharpur while its ally Congress maintained early lead in Sasaram, Begusarai and Madhubani. Lok Janashati Party (LJP) was leading in Balia.

Defence Minister George Fernandes was leading over his nearest RJD rival in Muzaffarpur, while RJD boss Laloo Prasad Yadav was ahead of JD-U leader Sharad Yadav in Madhepura.

Railway Minister Nitish Kumar was leading in both Barh and Nalanda. Union Minister and BJP leader C P Thakur was ahead in Patna.