RJD's Uday Manjhi surprised all by defeating JD-U's Shayam Rajak on Phulwarisharief in Patna. Rajak had deserted RJD for JD-U just two months ago.

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

The by-elections for 18 seats were held in two phases in the state. In the first phase, 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.