Record Turnout in Bihar in Phase 1: Highest in State’s History

Bihar’s first phase of the 2025 Assembly election on November 6 recorded an all-time high voter turnout of 64.66%, according to provisional figures released by election officials.

Polling took place across 121 constituencies in 18 districts, marking the opening round of the two-phase contest to fill all 243 Assembly seats.

The Election Commission confirmed that polling remained “peaceful and successful,” despite security curtailments in Naxal-affected areas. Phase 2 polling is scheduled for November 11, with counting on November 14.

The massive turnout — the highest ever in Bihar’s electoral history — is being read as a potential inflection point in the contest between Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U)-BJP alliance and Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD-led INDIA bloc.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who earlier appealed to voters on X to “vote with full enthusiasm,” hailed the record participation as proof of Bihar’s “deep democratic spirit.”

The Context — Why This Phase Matters

Phase 1 was not just a procedural milestone; it was the psychological test of momentum.

It covered critical battleground districts — including Raghopur, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, and Aurangabad — representing the social and political diversity of the state.

More than 3.75 crore voters were eligible in this phase, out of Bihar’s total 7.43 crore electorate, voting across nearly 90,000 polling stations.

Early trends suggested strong participation among women and first-time voters, while turnout spikes in select NDA strongholds added fuel to speculation about rural mobilization and caste realignments.

The Key Players

Nitish Kumar (JD-U / NDA):

The incumbent CM faces scrutiny on governance and fatigue after multiple tenures. His alliance arithmetic with the BJP is under stress as both parties seek dominance within the NDA fold.

Tejashwi Yadav (RJD / INDIA bloc):

The opposition face of the INDIA coalition, contesting from Raghopur, framed the election around unemployment, price rise, and social justice. His family’s high-visibility polling appearance signaled early mobilization.

Election Commission of India (ECI):

Tasked with conducting a two-phase poll (Nov 6 & 11) under heavy security, the ECI described Phase 1 as “smooth and peaceful,” crediting coordination between state police

The BIGSTORY Reframe — What the Record Turnout Really Means

Mainstream coverage frames this as a simple story of “record turnout = enthusiasm.” But in Bihar, high turnout is not just about participation — it’s about polarization and mobilization.

Turnout spikes can indicate:

• Rural women voting independently of caste allegiances
• Younger first-time voters responding to economic anxieties
• Consolidation among opposition blocs in semi-urban belts

The real battle, therefore, isn’t about who wins more seats in Phase 1 — it’s about who converts turnout into traction before Phase 2.

Phase 1 is a mood check. Phase 2 will be the verdict.

The Stakes

This record turnout is a referendum not just on Nitish Kumar’s longevity, but on whether Bihar’s youth-heavy, welfare-sensitive electorate sees a credible alternative in Tejashwi Yadav’s INDIA bloc.

The next phase on November 11 will complete the voting process. Counting on November 14 will decide whether Bihar continues Nitish Kumar’s governance model or hands the INDIA alliance its first major state victory.

FAQs — Bihar Election 2025 Phase 1

1. What was the turnout in Bihar Phase 1 election?

64.66%, the highest ever recorded in the state’s electoral history.

2. How many seats and districts voted in Phase 1?

121 constituencies across 18 districts participated in Phase 1 polling.

3. When will Phase 2 voting take place?

Phase 2 will be held on November 11, 2025.

4. When will counting and results be announced?

Votes will be counted on November 14, with the government formation expected by November 16.

5. Who are the main political contenders?

The ruling NDA (JD(U)+BJP) led by Nitish Kumar versus the INDIA bloc (RJD+Congress) led by Tejashwi Yadav.

6. Why is the turnout being called historic?

It surpasses all previous Assembly elections in Bihar and reflects heightened voter engagement, particularly among youth and women.