Bihar Votes Big In Phase 1: Is Record 64.66% Turnout Cheers For Nitish Or Job Call For Tejashwi?

Last Updated:November 06, 2025, 22:27 IST

The high turnout suggests extreme polarisation and highly motivated voting across all demographics

The Election Commission of India (ECI) noted that polling was largely peaceful, attributing the smoothness to new initiatives. Representational pic/PTI

The curtain fell on the first phase of the Bihar assembly elections amidst a palpable atmosphere of democratic fervour, concluding with a massive and historic voter turnout of 64.66%. This figure not only surpassed the previous assembly election record set in 2000 (62.57%) but also eclipsed the highest-ever Lok Sabha polling percentage recorded in the state (64.6% in 1998), marking an emphatic high in Bihar’s electoral history. However, this high participation immediately sparked intense debate among political analysts, who are now scrambling to interpret what the robust turnout truly signifies.

As one analyst keenly posed, “Who does that benefit? What is the messaging here? Is it anti-incumbency, is it the wings of change, or is it essentially a tick for the Nitish model of governance?" The answer is far from clear, with both the ruling Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the challenging Mahagathbandhan (INDIA bloc) quickly claiming the turnout signals their momentum.

Historically, say observers, a high voter turnout is often—though not always—interpreted as a sign of anti-incumbency, fuelled by motivated voters eager for change. This narrative would lend credence to the Mahagathbandhan, led by Tejashwi Yadav, who centred his campaign on the single, powerful plank of jobs and reversing the alleged “Jungle Raj". Conversely, the NDA views the historic turnout as an endorsement of the “Nitish model of governance" and the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s welfare schemes. They argue the strong turnout is primarily driven by women voters, a demographic that has consistently supported Chief Minister Nitish Kumar due to his dedicated focus on social welfare, law and order improvements, and empowerment schemes like the Lakhpati Didi initiative. In previous elections, women often outvoted men, and if this trend holds true in the 2025 cycle, the high figure could indeed be a deliberate consolidation of the NDA’s core support base, rewarding stability over radical change.

Ultimately, the high 64.66% figure suggests extreme polarisation and highly motivated voting across all demographics. Both the RJD’s appeal to the disenfranchised youth and the NDA’s consolidation of its core social and gender base appear to have successfully mobilised their voters. The final determination of which alliance benefitted from this historic democratic exercise will remain sealed until the counting day, but for now, the turnout confirms that the battle for Bihar is fiercely contested and deeply personal for its electorate.

The elections, which decided the fate of 1,314 candidates across more than 45,000 polling stations, saw several high-profile constituencies in the fray. Key among them was Raghopur, where the Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial candidate, Tejashwi Yadav (RJD), sought his third consecutive term against the BJP’s Satish Kumar. Another vital contest was in Tarapur, where deputy chief minister and prominent BJP leader Samrat Choudhary was testing his electoral strength. Additionally, the Mahua seat saw Tej Pratap Yadav, the RJD leader’s estranged brother, contesting under his newly formed Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD).

The Election Commission of India (ECI) noted that polling was largely peaceful, attributing the smoothness to new initiatives. For the first time in Bihar, 100% webcasting was implemented across all polling stations, enabling the ECI to maintain a close watch on the proceedings. However, the day was not without minor incidents. Sporadic clashes and allegations of misconduct were reported, notably including an alleged attack on deputy chief minister Vijay Kumar Sinha’s convoy in Lakhisarai district. The RJD also levelled accusations against the administration regarding police intimidation and attempts to slow down voting in certain areas, though these were dismissed by the chief electoral officer.

The second phase of voting is scheduled for November 11, with the final results for all 243 seats to be announced on November 14.

News elections Bihar Votes Big In Phase 1: Is Record 64.66% Turnout Cheers For Nitish Or Job Call For Tejashwi?

Read More