The Indus Zone Tech Desk | Patna, November 6 ,2025 | Bihar Elections Phase 1
The first phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 witnessed an impressive 64.46% voter turnout, marking a significant rise from the 2020 polls. The high participation rate is being closely watched by both the ruling BJP-JDU alliance and the opposition Mahagathbandhan, as experts say it could signal a wave of anti-incumbency across the state.
Higher Turnout Despite Controversial Voter List Revision
This election season began with a major controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral rolls. Nearly 47 lakh names were deleted during the exercise, reducing the total number of registered voters from 7.89 crore to 7.42 crore.
Opposition leaders from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress claimed that the deletions targeted marginalized and low-income voters, accusing the government of trying to suppress their traditional voter base.
However, the turnout percentage still rose sharply—suggesting that despite the smaller voter pool, more people are coming out to cast their votes with renewed enthusiasm.
Turnout Trends: A Sign of Change?
Historically, Bihar’s elections have shown a pattern where higher voter turnout often aligns with a shift in power.
In 2010, when Nitish Kumar’s JDU-BJP alliance swept the polls, the turnout was 52.73%.
In 2015, when Kumar joined forces with Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD, the turnout climbed to 56.91%, leading to a decisive win for the alliance.
The 2020 elections saw a further increase to 57.29%, though the BJP-JDU alliance returned to power with reduced strength.
This year’s 64.46% turnout surpasses all recent records, giving the opposition Mahagathbandhan—led by Tejashwi Yadav—reason to hope for a reversal of fortunes.
Key Constituencies in Spotlight
Out of 243 assembly seats, 121 constituencies voted in this phase.
Some of the high-profile battlegrounds included:
Raghopur (Vaishali district): Tejashwi Yadav’s family stronghold, where voting reached 64.01%, up by over 4% from 2020.
Tarapur (Munger): Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary of BJP contested here, with a 58.33% turnout.
Alinagar (Darbhanga): Popular folk singer Maithili Thakur, contesting on a BJP ticket, saw 58.05% turnout.
Mokama (Patna): The seat grabbed headlines after JDU candidate Anant Singh faced arrest in a murder case. Voter turnout was 62.16%.
Opposition Eyes Momentum Ahead of Second Phase
With the second phase of voting scheduled for November 11, the Mahagathbandhan alliance—comprising the RJD, Congress, and Left parties—hopes to maintain the momentum. If successful, Tejashwi Yadav could emerge as the next Chief Minister of Bihar.
The results for both phases will be announced on November 14, 2025.
Experts Caution Against Overreading High Turnout
Political analysts, however, warn against assuming that a higher turnout automatically means anti-incumbency. In states like Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, similar increases in voter participation did not prevent the BJP from securing victories in multiple consecutive elections.
Still, with voter enthusiasm high and social media engagement at record levels, Bihar’s political stage appears set for an unpredictable and closely fought contest.
Key Highlights
Voter Turnout (Phase 1): 64.46% (highest since 2010)
Seats Voting: 121 out of 243
Next Phase: November 11
Result Date: November 14
Major Players: JDU-BJP alliance vs Mahagathbandhan (RJD-Congress-Left)
Focus Constituencies: Raghopur, Tarapur, Alinagar, Mokama
