Bihar Election 2025 Phase 1 Updates: State records 64.66% polling turnout, surpasses 2020 figure

1) The polling commenced at 7 am and concluded at 5 pm with 60.25%.

2) This phase decided the electoral fate of 1,314 candidates, including top leaders such as INDIA bloc's chief ministerial face Tejashwi Yadav and Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary of the BJP.

3) RJD candidate Tejashwi Yadav aims at a hat-trick in the Raghopur seat.

4) Lakhisarai allegations will be investigated, says Additional Secretary.

5) Dy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha alleged BJP workers beaten by RJD members.

6) RJD supporters surrounded Deputy CM and BJP candidate from Lakhisarai constituency, Vijay Kumar Sinha’s car, hurled slippers, pelted stones and cow dung and chanted “Murdabad”, as he visited Khoriari village in his constituency.

7) Prashant Kishor says highest polling in 30 years indicate change.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday alleged that the NDA was "preparing to steal" the assembly polls in Bihar, "just like they did in Haryana".

Addressing back-to-back public rallies in Sitamarhi, East Champaran and Madhubani districts, the Congress general secretary alleged that the Election Commission (EC) was "colluding with the government to weaken our Constitution and democratic rights".

"Just like they stole the entire election in Haryana, they are preparing to do the same in Bihar by deleting 65 lakh votes from the rolls," she said.

Bihar’s 121 out of the total 243 assembly constituencies voted today in the first phase of 2025 state assembly election in a crucial triangular contest between Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal (United) led-National Democratic Alliance, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Indian National Congress-led Mahagathbandhan (or Grand Alliance) and Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party.

Additional Secretary of the State Election Department Madhav Kumar says, "The voting percentage as of 3 pm is 53.77. We have surpassed the benchmark set by the previous Lok Sabha elections. The voting percentage is highest in Begusarai. The voting percentage in Patna has also improved."

Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD) founder Tej Pratap Yadav said his party would emerge as a "serious political force" after the Bihar elections. "I am confident the people of Mahua will bless me again. Why won't they? I have worked for them, and they know it," he told PT.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi should be ashamed for seeking to know about the caste and religion of army jawans. Addressing back-to-back election rallies in Madhubani, West Champaran and Motihari districts, he said illegal Bangladeshi immigrants snatch jobs and pose security threats to the country, while asserting that the Bihar assembly elections are for making the eastern state "infiltrator-free".

"...I can confidently say that a wave is running in favour of BJP and NDA. Here, Nitish Kumar will once again take oath as Chief Minister and NDA will win with a heavy majority."

"Bihar needs to progress again. The world's best universities and hospitals should be established in Bihar. Bihar should become a global tourism and industrial hub. But Prime Minister Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar cannot do this. Nitish Kumar cannot do anything because he is being remotely controlled by Prime Minister Modi... The government is not being run by Nitish Kumar; it is being run by bureaucrats from Bihar and Delhi, Prime Minister Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah."

Speaking at a poll rally in Madhubani, Union Home Minister Amit Shah asked people to vote for the NDA in the Bihar polls.  He said, “When you need to travel anywhere, do you have an airport here?... Shouldn’t there be one? Elect Vinod Narayan, a major airport will be built in Madhubani...”

The poll body is constantly monitoring the ongoing polling in Bihar through the live feed available from over 45,000 polling stations. CCTVs have been installed for the first time in all polling stations of the State.

Bihar records 53.77% voting at 3 pm. Out of the 18, districts, Begusarai tops the list with 59.82%. State capital Patna remains low but is showing an increasing trend with 48.69%.

"Bihar needs to progress again. The world's best universities and hospitals should be established in Bihar. Bihar should become a global tourism and industrial hub. But Prime Minister Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar cannot do this. Nitish Kumar cannot do anything because he is being remotely controlled by Prime Minister Modi... The government is not being run by Nitish Kumar; it is being run by bureaucrats from Bihar and Delhi, Prime Minister Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah."

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar has rejected the Congress party's allegation that the EC supplied faulty Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to 10 districts. “Voting is proceeding smoothly in all assembly constituencies of the first phase,” it said in a post on X.

Congress leader Harish Rawat on Thursday said Bihar is voting for change as people are tired of 20 years of poor governance and rising unemployment. Rawat added that the impact of the joint campaign by Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav is clearly visible among voters.Speaking to ANI, Harish Rawat said, “... Bihar is fed up with the 20 years of bad governance... Unemployment is at its peak there. Bihar is voting against these issues... The effect of the way that Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav have campaigned is clearly visible.

Bihar Assembly Election 2025: RJD supporters surround deputy CM and BJP candidate from Lakhisarai constituency, Vijay Kumar Sinha's car

RJD supporters surrounded deputy CM and BJP candidate from Lakhisarai constituency, Vijay Kumar Sinha's car, hurled slippers and chanted "Murdabad", forbidding him from going ahead.

Addressing a rally in Ramnagar, Bettiah on Thursday, union home minister Amit Shah said NDA -- in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar will be forming the government with a majority in Bihar.

"Do you want to know what will be the results on 14th November? At 8 am on 14th Nov, counting will begin. By 11 am, the parties of Lalu and Rahul will be wiped out," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday accused Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) of doing "zero (nil bate sannata)" development across Bihar. The Prime Minister, while addressing a rally in Araria, asked how many expressways, bridges, sports complexes, and tourist circuits had been built across Bihar, stating the answer was zero.

"From 1990 to 2005, for 15 years, the government of "Jungle Raj" completely ruined Bihar. In the name of running the government, you were only looted. You must remember one figure in those 15 years of Jungle Raj, how many expressways were built in Bihar? Zero. Zero means "nil bate sannata". Do you know how many bridges were built over the Kosi River in those 15 years of Jungle Raj? Zero. Not even one was constructed. In those 15 years of Jungle Raj, how many tourist circuits were developed in Bihar? Zero nil bate sannata. And in those 15 years, how many sports complexes were developed for our youth and daughters to play and progress? Again zero, nil bate sannata." he said.

In the NDA government, Nitish ji has worked tirelessly to pull Bihar out of jungle raj, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Araria. "After the double-engine government was formed in 2014, Bihar's development has gained new momentum. IIT has opened in Patna, IIM has opened in Bodh Gaya, AIIMS has opened in Patna, the work on AIIMS Darbhanga is progressing rapidly, now Bihar also has a National Law University, IIIT is also there in Bhagalpur, and 4 central universities have also been established in Bihar," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the women and youth voters turning up for polling in the first phase of Bihar assembly election.

"Today, the first phase of voting is taking place to develop Bihar. Stunning pictures are coming from different corners of Bihar on social media. Long lines have been forming at polling stations since the morning. Mothers, sisters, and daughters are coming out in large numbers to vote. There is unprecedented enthusiasm among the youth of Bihar as well. I congratulate all the voters. I appeal to the people to come out and cast their votes," he said.

Amid polling in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a mega rally in Araria, wherein he expressed confidence over NDA's win. "I see that such a huge pandal has been built. I applaud your courage. No one dares to build such a large pandal. But I see there are more people outside than inside the pandal. When I was watching from the helicopter, a large number of people were coming on foot. They probably haven't even arrived yet. This scene in itself makes it clear what the election result will be," he said.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) alleged on Thursday that slow voting is being intentionally enforced in some of the strong booths of Mahagathbandhan. "In the midst of voting for the first phase, power is being deliberately cut intermittently at the strong booths of the Mahagathbandhan with the intention of slowing down the voting process. Slow voting is being intentionally enforced," the party said, urging Election Commission to take immediate cognisance of such rigging with "malicious intent" and "sinister motives" and take swift action.

The chief electoral officer (CEO) of Bihar, however, said the allegations were misleading and baseless. "In Bihar, voting is proceeding smoothly at all polling stations. The Election Commission of India is adhering to all standard protocols to ensure the voting process is fair, transparent, and uninterrupted. There is no basis for such misleading propaganda," the Bihar CEO said on X.

Bihar Election 2025: 'Vote for change... vote for development,' says Tejashwi Yadav as he shares pictures with family after voting

"Vote for change, for building a new Bihar, for development, for quality education and better health and law and order, and for jobs and employment," said RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as he shared pictures with family after voting in the first phase of Bihar Assembly polls.

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar took to X and urged people of the state to vote in the ongoing Bihar polls. "In a democracy, voting is not only our right, but also our duty. Today, voting is taking place for the first phase of the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections — all voters are urged to exercise their franchise without fail. Cast your vote and inspire others to do the same," he wrote.

Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday exuded confidence over National Democratic Alliance (NDA)'s victory in the Bihar Assembly polls. "The people of Bihar know their good. Seeing the development of Bihar over the last 15 years, they realise this is possible only under the leadership of PM Modi, CM Nitish Kumar, and the NDA. I have full faith that NDA will form the government with a full majority, and we will get more votes and seats than before," she said.

Chief minister Nitish Kumar cast his vote in Bakhtiarpur in the first phase of Assembly polls in Bihar.

A voter turnout of 13.13% was recorded till 9 am in the first phase of Assembly polls in Bihar, as per the Election Commission of India (ECI).

-Highest voter turnout: 15.27 per cent was recorded in Saharsa district of the state among all districts

-Lakhisarai recorded a sluggish turnout of 7 per cent.

As of 9 am, a voter turnout of --

-14.60 per cent was recorded in Begusarai district

-13.11 per cent in Bhojpur

-13.28 per cent in Buxar

-12.48 per cent in Darbhanga

-13.97 per cent in Gopalganj

-14.15 per cent in Khagaria

-13.74 per cent in Madhepura

-13.37 per cent in Munger

-14.38 per cent in Muzaffarpur, 12.45 per cent in Nalanda, 11.22 per cent in Patna, 12.86 per cent in Samastipur, 13.30 per cent in Saran, 12.97 per cent in Sheikhpura, 13.35 per cent in Siwan and 14.30 per cent in Vaishali.

Singer and BJP candidate from Alinagar seat in Bihar, Maithili Thakur, acknowledged her "little" political experience, saying she is "learning new things every day".

Maithili Thakur is the youngest candidate and could potentially become the youngest MLA if elected. Her constituency, Alinagar, will undergo polling in the first phase of the elections on November 6.

Speaking to ANI, the singer-turned-politician highlighted that the people of Bihar are aware of the work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

"I have little political experience, but I am learning new things every day. When I go amongst the public, I don't have to list the works done by Nitish ji and Modi ji; people already know, they just give blessings," she said. Read more

Bihar Assembly Election 2025: Mukesh Sahani & family vast vote in the first phase of Bihar polls

VIP chief and Mahagathbandhan's deputy CM face Mukesh Sahani, along with his family, cast vote in the first phase of Bihar polls.

After casting his vote for the first phase of Bihar polls, deputy CM and BJP candidate from Tarapur seat, Samrat Choudhary told ANI, "NDA is coming to power with a thumping majority... In Bihar, a good government should be formed, and the work done by Nitish Kumar should continue. Bihar was transformed through a lot of hard work..."

"The grand festival of democracy in Bihar is witnessing an amazing enthusiasm among the people, which indicates that the NDA is going to get an unprecedented majority in the assembly elections. In this energetic atmosphere, I am eager to receive the blessings of my family members at the public meetings in Forbesganj, Araria around 11.30 am and in Bhagalpur around 1.30 pm," says PM Modi.

After casting his vote, RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav exuded confidence, saying "badlaav hoga (there will be a change)". Lalu Yadav and his family voted in the first phase of Bihar polls on Thursday.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and his family cast vote in the first phase of Bihar polls on Thursday. Speaking to the media after casting his vote, the Mahagathbandhan's CM face that a new government will be formed on November 14.  "I would like to appeal to the people of Bihar to go to the polling centre and cast vote considering present and future... We are going to win," he said.

After casting her vote, former CM and RJD leader Rabri Devi said, "Step out of your house, go to polling stations and vote. Understand your right to vote."

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, taking to social media platform X, urged everyone to ‘participate in the grand festival of democracy’. "My dear brothers, sisters, mothers, and youth of Bihar! Today is the day to shape your own future with your own hands. Come out in large numbers and participate in the grand festival of democracy. For jobs, education, health, and a bright future for Bihar, for the protection of your democracy, constitution, and right to vote, cast your vote," she said.

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh cast his vote at a polling booth in Patna. “This is a festival of democracy. We must follow 'Pehle matdaan, phir jal-paan'...NDA government in the leadership of Nitish Kumar will be formed in Bihar again,” he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Polling is underway for 121 of Bihar's 243 Assembly constituencies -- with some of the key names in contest including Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav, Samrat Choudhary, Vijay Kumar Sinha and others.

List of the key candidates in fray here

-As per the Election Commission, of the 3.75 crore voters in the 121 constituencies, 10.72 lakh were “new electors”.

-The number of voters in the age group of 18-19 years, though, was 7.38 lakh.

-Total population of these constituencies, as stated by the Election Commission, was 6.60 crore, indicating that nearly three crore people were not in the voters' list, because of being underage or other unspecified reasons.

Bihar deputy chief minister and BJP candidate from Lakhisarai constituency, Vijay Kumar Sinha, cast his vote for the first phase of Bihar Assembly polls today. "I appeal to every Bihari to come out and cast their votes in large numbers," he said.

Bihar Election 2025 Live: Singer & BJP candidate Maithili Thakur offers prayers at Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Alinagar

Singer and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Alinagar, Maithili Thakur, offered prayers at Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Alinagar, Darbhanga as first phase of polling got underway in Bihar this morning.

RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari on Thursday said people of Bihar have made up their minds for a change. "Voting in the first phase of Bihar election 2025 is taking place today. Going with the trends from everywhere, it is clear that people of Bihar have made up their mind for a change and they will vote for a change," he said.

"They will vote to save Bihar and its future...This Government has brought Bihar to the brink of destruction. They see a ray of hope in Tejashwi Yadav. We are confident that in the 121 seats that are going to polls today, everyone will support Mahagathbandhan, Tejashwi Yadav," he added.

Ahead of the first phase of polling in Bihar, Mahagathbandhan's CM face Tejashwi Yadav urged voters to cast their votes, saying that will define the future course of Bihar's progress.

"My salutations to all the fate-makers of Bihar. Today is an important day for voting. The future course of Bihar will be determined by the single button you press. For the sake of democracy, the Constitution, and humanity, it is absolutely essential that you cast your vote," he wrote on X.

"I wish to appeal to all voters, especially the GEN-Z exercising their franchise for the first time, to mothers and sisters, to traders, to farmers, to migrants living in other states, to every common citizen, to every student attending coaching for a job, to every patient undergoing treatment for their illnesses and their families, and to every eligible voter in Bihar, one and all: please do vote, come what may. Bihar’s fortunes will brighten only when each and every one of you exercises your right to vote," he added.

"Your vote will pave the way for Bihar’s progress. So remember, for Bihar’s bright future, do cast your vote without fail. Vote first, with due care. All other tasks can wait!" Yadav said.

-Polling began for 121 out of the 243 Bihar Assembly constituencies at 7 am

-The other 122 constituencies will go to polls in the second phase on November 11

-Counting of votes will take place on November 14

-RJD leader and Mahagathbandhan’s CM face Tejashwi Yadav, BJP leaders and deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary & Vijay Kumar Sinha, as well as several top leaders are in fray in the first phase.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged the people of Bihar to vote with full enthusiasm in the first phase of Assembly polls today. "Today marks the first phase of the festival of democracy in Bihar. I urge all voters of this phase in the Assembly elections to cast their votes with full enthusiasm. On this occasion, I extend my special congratulations to all my young colleagues in the state who are going to vote for the first time. Remember—vote first, refreshments later!" he said on X.

Bihar Election 2025 Live: Maithili Thakur's message to party workers ahead of voting

Making her electoral debut from Alinagar, BJP’s Maithili Thakur on Wednesday released a video message on social media urging party workers not to shy away from hard work on voting day.

The opposition Mahagathbandhan in Bihar comprises of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Indian National Congress (INC), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation (CPI-ML), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM), and Mukesh Sahani’s Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP).

The National Democratic Alliance in Bihar comprises of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United), Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha.

Several high-profile constituencies will go to polls in the first phase of the Bihar election on November 6. In Tarapur (Munger), Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary (BJP) faces RJD’s Arun Kumar. Meanwhile, Raghopur, which is a traditional RJD bastion, will witness Tejashwi defending his seat against BJP’s Satish Kumar Yadav and Jan Suraaj’s Chanchal Singh.

Tej Pratap Yadav (estranged son of Lalu Prasad) of the Janshakti Janata Dal is locked in a triangular fight against RJD’s Mukesh Kumar Raushan and LJP’s Sanjay Singh in Mahua. Read more here

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Ajay Alok on Wednesday lashed out at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi after the latter alleged "voter fraud" in the 2024 Haryana assembly elections, saying that the same tactics don't work "over and over again".

"Rahul Gandhi and serious? This is a question in itself. Rahul Gandhi is such an 'akal-mand', and his team is also so 'akal-mand' that they don't realise the same tactics don't work over and over again. This was their official admission of losing the Bihar elections. For that, they first raise the issue of vote theft. This is 'dimaag-chori', not 'vote chori'. This is an attempt to provoke the Gen Z," Alok said.

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor intensified his campaign ahead of the second phase of Bihar Assembly elections, attacking both Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for failing to bring industrial development to the state.

"I will tell you why Nitish Kumar has to be removed. Are the policemen taking money in the police station or not? Is the electricity bill high or not? Where did Modi set up factories in the last 15 years -- in Bihar or Gujarat? You want votes from Bihar, but you will set up the factories in Gujarat?" Kishor said at a rally in Aurangabad. (ANI)

Ahead of the phase 1 voting, BJP MP Brijmohan Agrawal said, "People want NDA to win and Bihar to get developed. Nobody wants 'Jungle Raaj', everyone knows that if Mahagathbandhan comes to power, crimes will happen again..."

After weeks of high voltage campaigning, the Bihar election battle is set to kick off on Thursday with 121 constituencies spread across 18 districts voting in the first phase. The second phase will be held on November 11, followed by the much-anticipated counting of votes on November 14.

In the first phase, over 3.75 crore voters will decide the fate of 1,314 candidates, including heavyweights such as RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, and Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha. Read more

The stage is set for a high-stakes battle between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and Mahagathbandhan with the voting in the crucial first phase of the Assembly elections in Bihar set to begin at 7 am on Thursday. The voting will take place in 121 out of the 243 constituencies.

Ahead of the voting for Phase 1 of Bihar elections, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor said the party only has one appeal to the people of Bihar, to choose the third alternative they have presented before them.

“In the last 3 years, you’ve been shown the path to vote once for your children, for their education and employment. Vote for this. After November 14, no child should have to leave their home and family for Rs 10-12,000. During Chhath, people suffer every year. This time, make such arrangements that Bihar’s children don’t have to go elsewhere out of Bihar,” he said.