Bihar recorded its highest-ever voter turnout in the first phase of the 2025 Assembly election, with 64.66% polling across 121 seats. The previous record was 62.57% in 2000. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar thanked voters and polling staff for their commitment.
The rise in turnout follows a controversial voter list revision that deleted 47 lakh names, reducing the total voter base from 7.89 crore to 7.42 crore. Critics claim the move targeted poor and marginalised voters. Despite this, voter enthusiasm remained high throughout the day.
At 9 am, turnout was 13.13%, nearly double the 2020 figure. It climbed to 42.3% by 1 pm and 60.1% by 5 pm. The current turnout is 7.37% higher than in 2020, sparking talk of possible anti-incumbency sentiment.
Tejashwi Yadav, contesting from Raghopur, and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary from Tarapur were among key candidates. Other high-profile seats included Alinagar and Mokama. The remaining 122 constituencies will vote on November 11, with results on November 14.
Analysts note that while higher turnouts often signal a shift in power, exceptions like Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh show outcomes aren’t always predictable.
