Bihar witnessed a high voter turnout of 67.14% in the second phase of the 2025 Assembly Elections on Tuesday, according to the Election Commission’s provisional figures released in the evening.
Polling was held across 122 constituencies spread over 23 districts, deciding the fate of more than 1,300 candidates, including key leaders from the NDA, Mahagathbandhan, and Jan Suraaj parties.
Steady Rise in Voter Turnout
Voting began at 7 a.m. amid tight security and brisk participation.
- 9 a.m.: 14.55% turnout
- 11 a.m.: 31.38%
- 1 p.m.: 47.62%
- 5 p.m.: 67.14% (provisional total)
The Election Commission said the polling process remained “largely peaceful,” with only Minor incidents of delay and technical snags reported in a few booths due to Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) issues.
Law and Order Situation
Bihar Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) were deployed across all constituencies to ensure free and fair polling.
- No major law and order disturbances or violence were reported.
- In a few locations, minor altercations between rival party workers in Gopalganj and Siwan districts were quickly brought under control.
- Security forces carried out flag marches in sensitive areas, including Sitamarhi, Araria and Purnea, as a preventive measure.
Director General of Police (DGP) Rajwinder Singh Bhatti stated that “voting concluded peacefully in all districts” and that continuous monitoring was done through live CCTV feeds and drone surveillance at critical polling stations.
Key Contests
The high profile seats in this phase included Raghopur, where RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav is contesting, Bakhtiyarpur, the home turf of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Hajipur, where the NDA and INDIA bloc are locked in a tight battle.
Public Response and Political Significance
The record turnout, breaking past state averages, reflects renewed voter enthusiasm. Analysts say this phase is crucial for both the ruling NDA and the opposition Mahagathbandhan, as the outcome could shape Bihar’s political landscape ahead of the 2025 winter session.
the voting phases for the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly election take place on 6 November and 11 November 2025, and the results are scheduled to be declared on 14 November 2025.
