Patna, Bihar - The first phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 witnessed a vibrant democratic exercise, with provisional figures indicating a 42.31% voter turnout by 1 PM today. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is closely monitoring the polling process across 121 constituencies in 18 districts.
Voting commenced at 7 AM across 45,341 polling stations, with over 3.75 crore eligible voters participating in this phase. While polling will continue until 6 PM, some constituencies will conclude voting earlier at 5 PM due to security considerations.
Gopalganj district recorded the highest voter participation at 46.73%, followed by Lakhisarai (46.37%) and Begusarai (46.02%). In contrast, Patna reported the lowest turnout at 37.72%. Other districts, including Muzaffarpur (45.41%), Saharsa (44.20%), and Madhepura (44.16%), demonstrated consistent voting percentages. Key constituencies such as Raghopur (43.3%), Tarapur (44.35%), and Mokama (41.78%) also saw significant voter engagement.
Earlier in the day, initial reports at 9 AM showed a 13.13% turnout, with Saharsa leading at 15.27% and Lakhisarai at 7%. By 11 AM, the state recorded a 27.65% turnout, with Begusarai registering the highest at 30.37%.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners S S Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, are stationed at the ECI control room in Nirvachan Sadan, overseeing the polling through live feeds from all polling stations, where CCTVs have been installed for the first time.
Several prominent leaders cast their votes early in the day. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar exercised his right to vote in Bakhtiyarpur, Patna district, urging citizens to vote. Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary, a candidate from Tarapur, voted in Munger, praising Nitish Kumar's leadership. RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, along with his wife Rabri Devi and son Tejashwi Yadav, also cast their votes in Patna.
During the day, tensions flared in Lakhisarai when RJD supporters reportedly surrounded the convoy of Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, chanting slogans and hurling slippers. Police personnel were present to manage the situation.
Political figures have voiced their opinions on the elections. RLM chief Upendra Kushwaha expressed confidence in the NDA's victory, while Lalu Prasad Yadav called for change after 20 years of NDA rule. JD(U) working president Sanjay Jha highlighted the strong turnout of women voters, attributing it to their trust in Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
The first phase is crucial for various political parties. In the 2020 election, the Mahagatbandhan secured 63 of these seats, while the BJP and JD(U) together won 55.
The Bihar Assembly elections are being held in two phases, with the second phase scheduled for November 11. The results will be announced on November 14.
