With the second phase of the Bihar Assembly elections drawing near, authorities have sealed the India-Nepal border to maintain security. The closure, which began on Saturday evening, November 8, 2025, will remain in effect until 6 PM on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
The decision to seal the border was taken in coordination with Nepalese authorities to prevent illegal cross-border activities, including smuggling and the movement of individuals who could disrupt the election process. This measure is a standard operating procedure (SOP) during elections on either side of the border.
The border closure affects several districts of Bihar that share a border with Nepal, including Sitamarhi, East Champaran, West Champaran, Madhubani, Araria, Kishanganj and Supaul. All international checkposts and local entry points will be closed, with exceptions only for emergency services.
Mahottari Assistant Chief District Officer, Sanjay Kumar Pokhrel, confirmed that all border points in the Mahottari district have been sealed since 6 PM on Saturday. Similar closures are in effect in other border districts such as Sarlahi and Rautahat. In Saptari, border points adjoining India’s Madhubani and Supaul districts will remain closed from midnight of November 9 to midnight of November 11.
The Bihar Legislative Assembly elections are being held in two phases, November 6 and November 11, 2025, to elect 243 members. The first phase saw a record voter turnout of 64.69% across 121 seats. The second phase on November 11 will cover the remaining 122 seats across 20 districts, including parts of Mithila, Kosi belt, western Bihar, Magadh, Angika and Seemanchal regions.
The election will determine the fate of 1,302 candidates, including 136 women, with over 37 million eligible voters. The main contest is between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (United), and the Mahagathbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Indian National Congress (INC). Other parties in the fray include Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party and Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM.
Campaigning for the second phase concluded on Sunday, with leaders making a final push to sway voters. The NDA is banking on its development record, while the Mahagathbandhan is focusing on issues such as unemployment and social justice.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed rallies, emphasizing national security and the establishment of a defense corridor in Bihar. He also targeted the Mahagathbandhan, stating there was no vacancy for the Chief Minister post in Bihar. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged “vote theft” and urged the youth to stay vigilant.
The counting of votes for all 243 seats will take place on November 14.
