10 months ago
Bihar Elections Phase 1: Record Turnout Amidst Shifting Alliances
Bihar is holding elections to choose its new government, and the first round of voting just happened for 121 areas.
A lot of people have been going to vote, with about 13.1% of people voting by 9 in the morning.
This is happening across many different parts of Bihar, including villages.
Many new young voters, aged 18 and 19, are voting for the first time.
The main competition is between two big groups of parties: the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan.
Other parties, like one started by a former election strategist, are also trying to win seats.
Important leaders like Tejashwi Yadav, who wants to be Chief Minister, and Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha are among the many people trying to get elected.
Some leaders are switching parties just before voting.
The voting for the remaining seats will happen next week, and we will know who won on November 14.
The first phase of Bihar's Assembly elections for 121 seats began on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
By 9 am, a voter turnout of 13.1% was recorded, with Saharsa district showing the highest percentage (15.2%) and Lakhisarai the lowest (7%).
The elections involve 3.75 crore voters, including 10.72 lakh first-time voters aged 18-19.
The main political contests are between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition Mahagathbandhan.
Notable candidates include Tejashwi Yadav (RJD), Tej Pratap Yadav (JJD), and Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha.
- Who
- Voters in Bihar, candidates including Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav, Samrat Choudhary, Vijay Kumar Sinha, and political parties NDA and Mahagathbandhan.
- What
- The first phase of voting for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, covering 121 constituencies.
- Where
- 121 constituencies across Bihar.
- When
- Thursday, November 6, 2025, with polling starting at 7 am.
- Why
- To elect representatives for the Bihar Assembly, with differing interpretations of the high voter turnout's impact on the election's outcome.
Mahagathbandhan (INDIA bloc)
National Democratic Alliance (NDA)
Significance of High Turnout
Mahagathbandhan (INDIA bloc)
The high turnout is seen as a sign of anti-incumbency and a call for change, driven by a desire for jobs and a rejection of the alleged 'Jungle Raj'.
National Democratic Alliance (NDA)
The high turnout is viewed as an endorsement of the 'Nitish model of governance' and Prime Minister Modi's welfare schemes, particularly with strong support from women voters.
Campaign Focus
Mahagathbandhan (INDIA bloc)
Tejashwi Yadav's campaign is centered on jobs and reversing alleged 'Jungle Raj'.
National Democratic Alliance (NDA)
The NDA emphasizes social welfare, law and order improvements, and empowerment schemes like Lakhpati Didi.
Key facts
- Phase 1 Constituencies
- 121 out of 243
- Voter Turnout (as of 9 am)
- 13.1%
- Total Eligible Voters (Phase 1)
- 3.75 crore
- First-time Voters (Phase 1)
- 10.72 lakh
- Key Contesting Leaders
- Tejashwi Yadav (RJD), Tej Pratap Yadav (JJD), Samrat Choudhary (BJP), Vijay Kumar Sinha (BJP), Nitin Nabin (BJP), Shrawan Kumar (JD-U), Vijay Kumar Chaudhary (JD-U), Anant Singh (JD-U)
- Key Political Alliances
- NDA (JDU, BJP, LJP, RLM, HAM), Mahagathbandhan (RJD, Congress, VIP, 3 Left Parties, IIP)
- Date of Voting
- Thursday, November 6, 2025 (First Phase)
- Date of Results
- November 14, 2025
Timeline
Election Commission began Bihar voter list review.
Then, 51 lakh voters were flagged for removal.
Deceased, duplicate, and missing voters identified.
Over 3.75 crore voters to elect leaders soon.
Quotes
Sanjay Singh
Jan Suraaj party’s candidate from the Munger Assembly constituency who joined the Bharatiya Janata Party
“Considering the current political situation and circumstances, I am extending my support to ensure NDA’s victory. I will work to help them win, and I am confident they will win by a large margin of votes.”
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Sources
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