The high-decibel campaigning for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 has drawn to a close, with 7.42 crore voters across 121 constituencies in 18 districts preparing to cast their votes on November 6. As the deadline ended at 5 PM today, political parties made their last-ditch efforts to sway voters.
The electoral landscape of Bihar is primarily contested between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of Janata Dal (United) in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the opposition Mahagathbandhan, spearheaded by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress. This election is crucial, with results expected to significantly impact Bihar's political trajectory. The results will be declared on November 14.
In the final stretch, star campaigners and senior leaders from both the NDA and Mahagathbandhan engaged in intensive campaigning, holding public meetings and roadshows across the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with women workers of the BJP-led NDA under the party's "Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot" initiative. Union Home Minister Amit Shah campaigned in Darbhanga, East Champaran, and West Champaran districts, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed public meetings in Vaishali, Patna, Saharsa, and Munger districts. BJP National President J. P. Nadda addressed election rallies in Bhojpur and Gaya. From the opposition, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav held a press conference in Patna. Other campaigners included Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi and leaders from AIMIM, Shakti Janata Dal, and Jan Suraaj Party.
Both alliances have released their manifestos, with the NDA presenting its 'Sankalp Patra' and the Mahagathbandhan unveiling its 'Bihar Ka Tejashwi Pran'. Tejashwi Yadav promised that farmers would receive ₹300 per quintal of paddy and ₹400 for wheat as a bonus over the MSP if the INDIA bloc is voted to power. Amit Shah promised that 3.6 crore people would receive free health cover up to ₹5 lakh if the NDA is voted to power and that ₹26,000 crore would be spent to harness Koshi river water to irrigate 'Mithilanchal'. He also asserted that the NDA would construct Kaushal Vikas Kendras in every district, establish new factories and industrial parks, and create a defence corridor in Bihar. Nitish Kumar highlighted his government's focus on women's empowerment, stating that over 1 crore 40 lakh women have been connected with self-help groups under the Jeevika programme and that financial assistance of 10,000 rupees has been provided to help women become self-reliant under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana.
The Election Commission of India has implemented stringent measures to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections, including improved ballot paper designs and extensive security arrangements. With over 7 crore registered voters, including a significant number of first-time voters, the phase 1 polls are expected to set a strong tone for the remaining electoral process. There are 14 lakh first-time voters and 4 lakh senior citizen voters. Polling will be held at 90,712 polling stations. Besides the main contenders, the Jan Suraaj Party, led by Prashant Kishor, is also aiming to challenge the established players.
The political atmosphere remains charged, with leaders making accusations and promises. Amit Shah urged voters to prevent the return of 'jungle raj'. The election results are keenly awaited by national and regional stakeholders.
