Bihar witnessed a record-breaking voter turnout in the first phase of the 2025 Assembly Elections, surpassing all previous records since independence. According to the Election Commission, nearly 65.08% of eligible voters cast their votes on polling day.
Muzaffarpur led with an impressive 71.81% turnout, while Patna recorded the lowest at 59.02%. Begusarai, Gopalganj, Khagaria, Lakhisarai, Madhepura, Saharsa, Samastipur, and Vaishali all saw participation above 65%, reflecting strong voter enthusiasm across several northern districts
This phase covered 18 districts and 75 constituencies. In the 2020 elections, these same areas saw a tight contest, with the Grand Alliance winning 61 seats and the NDA securing 59. The RJD had emerged as the dominant player, bagging 42 seats, followed by the BJP with 32 and the JDU with 2.3.
This time, JDU has fielded candidates on 57 seats under the NDA banner, while the BJP contests 48. The RJD is leading the Grand Alliance campaign with candidates on 73 seats.
Analysts believe the high turnout signals intense competition. While the ruling NDA sees it as a mandate for continuity, the opposition views it as a call for change in Bihar’s political landscape.
