Bihar Votes Big in Phase 1: Is Record Turnout Cheers For Nitish Or Job Call For Tejashwi?

Patna, Bihar – Bihar has recorded its highest-ever voter turnout in history, with 64.66% of eligible voters casting their ballots in the first phase of the 2025 Assembly elections on Thursday, November 6. This surpasses the previous record of approximately 62% in 2000 and the 57% turnout in the 2020 elections. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has hailed the event as a milestone, attributing the high turnout to new initiatives aimed at enhancing voter experience and ensuring transparency.

The first phase of polling covered 121 constituencies across 18 districts, involving over 3.75 crore voters who were tasked with deciding the fate of 1,314 candidates. Key candidates in this phase included Tejashwi Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Tej Pratap Yadav, Tejashwi's brother, also contested in this phase under a new political banner.

The record turnout has sparked intense debate, with analysts and political observers questioning whether it signals a wave of support for incumbent Chief Minister Nitish Kumar or reflects a yearning for change, potentially favoring Tejashwi Yadav, who has focused his campaign on addressing unemployment.

Nitish Kumar's Report Card

Nitish Kumar, who has served as Chief Minister for nearly two decades, is seeking to retain his position with the support of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He is credited with improving infrastructure and restoring law and order in a state once plagued by "jungle raj". Kumar's government has also implemented various development schemes and economic policies that have resonated with voters across different communities. Sanjay Jha, JD(U) working president, highlighted the strong turnout of women voters, attributing it to their trust in Nitish Kumar.

However, Nitish Kumar faces challenges, including concerns about unemployment, migration, and recurring floods. Some analysts suggest that his long tenure and perceived detachment from younger voters could be liabilities. Despite these concerns, Nitish Kumar continues to be a pivotal figure in Bihar politics, especially among smaller castes and women voters.

Tejashwi Yadav's Job Promise

Tejashwi Yadav, the chief ministerial candidate of the Mahagathbandhan, has centered his campaign on generating jobs for the youth, capitalizing on widespread dissatisfaction with limited employment opportunities. Unemployment is a primary concern for Bihar's electorate, particularly for young and first-time voters. Tejashwi has also promised to prioritize education, healthcare, and good governance.

The RJD leader has urged voters to support development and not be swayed by false promises. He has also sought to distance himself from the "jungle raj" image associated with his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, focusing on accountability and governance reforms.

Key Issues and Factors

Several key issues and factors are likely to have influenced voter turnout and preferences in this election:

• Employment: With a significant portion of Bihar's population migrating out of the state for work, unemployment has emerged as a critical issue. Both the NDA and Mahagathbandhan have pledged to create jobs.
• Women's Empowerment: Women constitute nearly half of the eligible voters in Bihar, and their political participation has been steadily rising. Both major blocs have made appeals to women, with promises of cash transfers and welfare schemes.
• Caste Dynamics: Caste continues to play a significant role in Bihar politics, influencing voter behavior and candidate selection. Both the ruling NDA and the opposition Mahagathbandhan have carefully balanced social equations in their strategies.
• Electoral Roll Revisions: The Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, aimed at removing duplicates and deceased voters, has been a subject of controversy. Some opposition parties have alleged that the revisions disproportionately affected poor and minority voters.

As the first phase concludes, all eyes are on the remaining 122 seats that will go to the polls on November 11. The counting of votes is scheduled for November 14, when Bihar will know whether the record turnout translates into a mandate for continuity under Nitish Kumar or a call for change under Tejashwi Yadav.