The first phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 began on Thursday, marking the start of a two-stage contest that will determine the political landscape of the eastern state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on citizens to participate with “full enthusiasm,” describing the election as a “festival of democracy.”
“Today Bihar celebrates the first phase of the festival of democracy. My appeal to all voters is to vote in large numbers. I especially congratulate all the young voters who are casting their vote for the first time. Remember—pehle matadan, phir jalpan (vote first, then refreshments),” Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter) early Thursday.
Phase 1 details
Polling is being held across 121 of the state’s 243 constituencies, with 3.75 crore registered voters deciding the fate of 1,314 candidates, including several heavyweight leaders from both the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the INDIA opposition bloc.
Among the prominent names in this round are Tejashwi Yadav, the INDIA bloc’s chief ministerial face, and Samrat Choudhary, Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister and the BJP’s leading candidate.
The remaining 122 constituencies will vote on November 11, and results will be declared on November 14, when counting takes place simultaneously across the state.
Key political voices
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who travelled to his hometown Bakhtiarpur to cast his vote, reminded citizens that “voting is not only a right but also a duty in a democracy.”
Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, after voting in Tarapur, said the NDA’s developmental work under Nitish Kumar’s leadership should continue. “A lot of effort has gone into Bihar’s transformation. Vote for progress,” he urged.
Senior BJP leader Giriraj Singh, voting in Lakhisarai, defended the identity checks for burqa-clad women at polling booths, saying it would “prevent vote theft.”
Former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad expressed confidence that the NDA would return to power, declaring, “The people of Bihar will vote in large numbers. The NDA will comfortably form the government.”
Voter enthusiasm and turnout trends
Early reports from the Election Commission indicated brisk polling in several districts, with long queues outside booths in Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Bhagalpur. The first-time voter turnout appeared strong, boosted by social-media campaigns and local awareness drives.
Observers note that the state’s youth—nearly 20% of the electorate—could play a decisive role, especially in urban and semi-urban seats. Issues such as unemployment, infrastructure development, women’s safety, and migration are central to voter sentiment.
Election background
Bihar’s assembly polls come at a politically crucial juncture. The NDA, led by the BJP and JD(U), is seeking a renewed mandate after years of governance under Nitish Kumar. Meanwhile, the INDIA alliance, combining the RJD, Congress, and Left parties, aims to unseat the ruling coalition by rallying around Tejashwi Yadav’s promise of “jobs and justice.”
Election authorities have deployed heavy security, with more than 60,000 paramilitary and police personnel on duty to ensure peaceful polling. Over 20,000 booths have been equipped with web-cameras and live monitoring systems to prevent irregularities.
