The first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, held on Thursday, 6 November 2025, recorded a historic voter turnout, according to the Election Commission of India.

Key Highlights

• Voter Turnout: 64.66% of 3.75 crore eligible voters cast their votes across 121 assembly constituencies.
• Significance: The high turnout is seen as a critical test of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
• Second Phase: Scheduled for 11 November covering 122 seats, with results to be declared on 14 November.

Main Contest

• Ruling NDA: Led by BJP and Janata Dal (United), among other allies.
• Opposition Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance): Main parties include Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress.

Reactions from Political Parties

• RJD: Leader Tejashwi Yadav, Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial candidate, hailed the turnout as a sign of support, stating it affirmed a victory for Mahagathbandhan.
• BJP: Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary expressed confidence, claiming the NDA would win around 100 seats and surpass the 2010 record of 206 seats.
• Jan Suraaj (Prashant Kishor): Kishor called the turnout a sign of the people’s desire for change, highlighting the role of migrant voters and women as key factors influencing the election.

Factors Behind High Turnout

• Migrant Labour Participation: Many who had returned for Chhath Puja stayed back and voted, encouraging their families and friends.
• Women Voters: Played a pivotal role, along with active campaigning from political parties.
• Public Enthusiasm: Seen as a reflection of increased voter engagement and political awareness in the state.

The record turnout sets the stage for a high-stakes battle between the NDA and Mahagathbandhan in the second phase of the elections.