Bihar Elections 2025: Nearly 65 percent voter turnout was recorded in the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections on Thursday across 121 seats, the highest ever in the state’s electoral history. This record turnout indicates the increase in public enthusiasm and the potential for change.
This election is not only a test of the credibility of political parties, but has also become a direct contest between two major narratives: “good governance versus jobs for all.” On one hand, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is presenting his government’s model of good governance, law and order, and development to the public, while on the other hand, the opposition, especially Tejashwi Yadav, is in the fray with the promise of providing jobs to the youth.
Bihar Elections 2025: Historic turnout in Bihar elections will determine the direction of power
Nearly 65 percent of voters exercised their franchise in the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections on Thursday across 121 constituencies. This is the highest voter turnout (64.66%) in the state’s electoral history. The Election Commission reported that voting was peaceful and conducted in a festive atmosphere.
Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Singh Gunjyal said that “women were particularly enthusiastic.” Voters also participated in large numbers in rural areas, which clearly shows that the public has made up its mind this time for either change or continuity.
‘Good governance vs. jobs for all’ – the main theme of the election
This election is being seen as a direct battle between the NDA, which has been in power for nearly two decades, and the opposition is ‘India Alliance’.
The NDA’s agenda: Confidence in good governance, development, and recent welfare schemes under Nitish Kumar’s leadership.
The opposition’s agenda: Tejashwi Yadav’s “Rozgar for every household” promise, pointing out the issues like inflation and unemployment.
Tejashwi Yadav said, “The people of Bihar have ensured the victory of the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ by voting overwhelmingly.”
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary claimed that the NDA is going to win more than 100 seats and surpass the “NDA 2010 record (206 seats).”
Jansuraj and Congress also expressed confidence.
Jansuraj headed by Prashant Kishore said that the high voter turnout indicates a desire for change. He said, “When the votes are counted on November 14, a new government will be formed in Bihar.”
Congress leader Pawan Khera also said that the high voter turnout indicates a “clear majority.”
Second Phase of Bihar Elections and Counting of Votes
After the first phase, the second and final phase will be held on November 11, with counting taking place on November 14. 1,314 candidates are contesting in the first phase, including like Tejashwi Yadav, Samrat Chaudhary, and Vijay Kumar Sinha.
Sporadic Violence, but situation was under control
Voting was overall peaceful, although news of an attack on Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha’s vehicle caused a stir. The Election Commission responded promptly to the situation and tightened security.
PM Modi’s message – “Women have become the shield of democracy.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the high participation of women as a good sign for the NDA. He said, “Mothers, sisters, and daughters have been the biggest victims of ‘jungle raj.’ Today, they stand like a protective shield around polling stations to prevent its return.”
The NDA hopes that Nitish Kumar‘s ‘good governance policy,’ including schemes like free electricity, cash assistance to women, and pension increases, will mitigate the public’s dissatisfaction and anti-incumbency wave if any.
Opposition counter attacks – “Change is necessary now”
RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav wrote on X, “If the roti is not turned on the pan, it burns. Twenty years is a long time; a Tejashwi government is now necessary to give Bihar a new direction.”
The RJD also alleged that voting was deliberately slowed down in some areas where the opposition is strong-although the Election Commission immediately dismissed this claim.
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