BIHAR ELECTIONS: Bihar records 64.4% voter turnout in first phase of assembly polls
New Delhi, Nov 6: The first phase of voting in the Bihar Assembly elections 2025 concluded successfully on Thursday, which saw 64.4 per cent voter turnout, around a 10 percent hike, according to the Election Commission of India, with final figures yet to be announced officially.
Polling took place across 121 assembly constituencies spread over 18 districts, including Patna, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Begusarai, Munger, and Buxar. The percentage of turnout increased at several booths, as polls were continuing beyond 5 pm. District-wise turnout figures showed high participation in several areas, with Begusarai recording 67.32%, Gopalganj 64.96%, Vaishali 59.45%, and Darbhanga 58.38%.
Patna and Buxar registered turnouts of 55.02% and 55.10% respectively, while Sheikhpura reported 52.36%.
Polling remained largely peaceful, with voters turning out steadily throughout the day, though isolated incidents of violence were reported. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha alleged that his convoy was attacked in Lakhisarai district. More than 3.75 crore voters were eligible to decide the fate of over 1,300 candidates in this phase, which marks the beginning of a two-phase election process. The contest sees the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) facing a strong challenge from the opposition Mahagathbandhan and emerging parties such as the Jan Suraaj Party. Key electoral battles include RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav contesting from Raghopur, Tej Pratap Yadav from Mahua, and heavyweight contests in Munger’s Tarapur constituency.
The Election Commission deployed central forces and installed webcasting facilities across polling stations to ensure a fair and transparent process. The second phase of voting will follow, with results to be declared on November 14, 2025. This rise in turnout is being closely watched in light of the recent special intensive revision (SIR) of the state’s voter list, which saw 47 lakh names deleted — a move the opposition had criticised as an attempt to disenfranchise voters from poorer and marginalised communities who traditionally support them. The revision reduced the total voter base from 7.89 crore to 7.42 crore, which could partly explain the higher turnout percentage, even if the absolute number of voters remains unchanged.
