Bihar witnessed a historic voter turnout in the first phase of the 2025 Assembly elections, with polling for 121 seats touching a provisional 64.66%, the highest ever recorded in the state for a Vidhan Sabha election.
Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Singh Gunjiyal announced that by the close of voting at 6 pm, the turnout had touched 64.46%. This surpasses the previous Assembly record of 62.57% set in 2000. The turnout also edged past the state’s Lok Sabha record of 64.6% registered in 1998.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar expressed gratitude to voters for turning up in impressive numbers and lauded polling personnel for ensuring smooth conduct of elections despite long hours and extensive arrangements. “Polling began at 7 am and remained peaceful and well-managed throughout the day,” he said.
The first phase covered 3.75 crore eligible voters and sealed the electoral fate of 1,314 candidates. Voting was held across 45,341 polling stations, a majority of which, 36,733 were in rural pockets. Begusarai recorded the highest turnout, while Sheikhpura saw the lowest polling among the phase one constituencies. The Election Commission also revealed that for the first time, 100% of polling stations in Bihar were live-webcast for real-time monitoring.
However, the day was not without a few disruptions. Poll boycott was reported from pockets of Buxar, Fatuha and Suryagarha. The CEO’s office confirmed receiving 143 complaints during the day, all of which were addressed promptly.
Two incidents of alleged attacks on political leaders were reported. In Lakhisarai, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha claimed that his convoy was targeted by alleged RJD supporters while he was visiting an area where voters had complained of intimidation. The poll body has sought a detailed report.
In another incident in Saran district’s Manjhi constituency, the convoy of sitting CPI(ML) Liberation MLA Satyendra Yadav was allegedly attacked, though no injuries were reported.
The first phase features prominent candidates, including RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, his brother Tej Pratap Yadav (Janshakti Janata Dal), Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary, and singer-turned-candidate Maithili Thakur. They are among 1,314 candidates in this round.
The remaining 122 constituencies will vote in the second phase on November 11. Counting of votes for all 243 seats is scheduled for November 14.
