Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 – Phase 1 Voting Begins

Bihar Gears Up for the First Phase

The Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 began today with voters turning out early across 121 constituencies in the first of three phases of polling. Long queues were seen in several districts, including Patna, Gaya, and Bhagalpur, where citizens braved the morning chill to cast their votes.

Security has been intensified, with the Election Commission deploying nearly 1.5 lakh personnel across polling booths to ensure smooth voting. The first phase covers several politically sensitive regions that have traditionally swung between the Mahagathbandhan alliance and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Mahagathbandhan’s Confident Tone

After casting his vote in Patna, Tejashwi Yadav, leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and a key figure in the Mahagathbandhan, exuded confidence.

“We are going to win. The new government will be formed on November 14,” he told reporters, suggesting that voters are seeking change in governance and better job opportunities.

The Mahagathbandhan coalition, which includes the RJD, Congress, and Left parties, has made employment and price control central to its campaign narrative. The NDA, led by the BJP and JD(U), has focused on stability, infrastructure, and women’s welfare programmes.

Political analysts note that the first phase could set the tone for the entire election, as it covers both urban and rural constituencies reflective of Bihar’s diverse voter base.

Key Issues at Stake

For voters, issues such as unemployment, inflation, and healthcare dominate discussions. Bihar, one of India’s youngest states demographically, continues to struggle with limited job creation despite national economic growth.

“We need leaders who focus on real development, not just promises,” said a voter in Gaya.

Infrastructure and migration remain hot topics, particularly after the pandemic years when thousands of Bihari workers returned from metro cities.

Election Commission’s Oversight

The Election Commission of India reported a turnout of around 52% by early afternoon, slightly higher than the corresponding phase in 2020. Strict COVID protocols were replaced this time by enhanced digital verification to curb impersonation.

Polling is being closely monitored through over 20,000 web-linked booths. Counting of votes will take place on November 14, and results are expected to shape Bihar’s political future for the next five years.

Why It Matters

The Bihar elections are often viewed as a bellwether for national politics. A strong performance by the Mahagathbandhan could reshape opposition strategy heading into the 2026 Lok Sabha elections, while a comfortable NDA win would reaffirm Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s grassroots hold.

For now, both camps remain optimistic. But as the first phase wraps up, the real battle lies in voter turnout and the silent swing among first-time voters.