The first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections 2025 commenced on Thursday, November 6, across 121 constituencies. With nearly 3.75 crore voters eligible to participate, the elections mark one of the largest democratic exercises in India this year. A total of 1,314 candidates, including several high-profile political leaders, are in the fray, vying for seats across the state’s 243-member legislative assembly.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) deployed extensive security arrangements to ensure smooth and peaceful voting. Polling began at 7:00 AM and is scheduled to continue until 5:00 PM, during which citizens cast their votes at 90,712 polling stations spread across the state. Heavy police and paramilitary deployment, combined with monitoring by election observers, aimed to prevent malpractices and ensure that the election process is conducted fairly.

Key Leaders in the First Phase

Among the prominent candidates in phase one are Tejashwi Yadav, the chief ministerial face of the INDIA bloc (the alliance of RJD, Congress, and Left parties), and Samrat Choudhary, the deputy chief minister from the BJP. Another deputy CM, Vijay Kumar Sinha, is also contesting in this round, seeking to retain his Lakhisarai constituency seat for a fourth consecutive term. These high-profile contests have made certain constituencies critical for determining the direction of political power in the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his appeal to citizens to participate actively in the elections, calling the polls a “celebration of democracy.” He specifically encouraged first-time voters to exercise their right to vote, highlighting the pivotal role youth play in shaping Bihar’s political future. Similarly, Tejashwi Yadav addressed voters, emphasizing that their participation is vital not only for the democratic process but also for upholding the Constitution and fundamental values of humanity.

Bihar Assembly Polling Phases and Schedule

The Bihar elections 2025 are being conducted in two phases to manage logistics and security efficiently.

• Phase 1: November 6, 2025 – 121 constituencies
• Phase 2: November 11, 2025 – 122 constituencies

The vote counting for both phases is scheduled for November 14, 2025, when the results will determine the composition of the new legislative assembly. With 243 constituencies in total, Bihar’s elections require meticulous planning, from voter verification to deployment of EVMs and ballot security.

Voter Eligibility and Polling Stations

Bihar has around 7.43 crore registered voters, encompassing urban and rural populations, youth, first-time voters, and senior citizens. Each polling station is designed to accommodate voters efficiently while maintaining electoral security. Voters are encouraged to reach polling stations early to avoid long queues and ensure that their votes are counted without incident.

How to Vote and Verification Requirements

Voters must present a valid ID for verification at polling stations. While the traditional Voter ID card is preferred, other government-issued identification such as Aadhaar card, Passport, PAN card, or Driving Licence can also be used to cast a vote. Mobile phones are strictly prohibited inside polling booths to maintain the secrecy and integrity of voting.

In case of technical or procedural irregularities, voters can report issues through the c-VIGIL mobile app or by calling the 1950 helpline. These mechanisms ensure transparency and allow voters to lodge complaints about EVM malfunctions, voter intimidation, or any other disruptions during polling.

Key Electoral Contests

The Bihar Assembly elections are marked by several high-stakes contests between the state’s major parties.

• BJP and JD(U): Both parties are leading the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and contesting several key seats, including constituencies held by prominent leaders like Vijay Kumar Sinha.
• RJD-led INDIA bloc: The alliance, including Congress and Left parties, is focusing on areas where the NDA traditionally enjoys influence. Tejashwi Yadav’s candidacy in Raghopur and other strongholds is being closely watched.
• Other regional players: Smaller parties like the Jan Suraaj Party and other regional outfits are also contesting, particularly in constituencies where major alliances face anti-incumbency sentiments.

Phase-one contests highlight direct face-offs between the NDA and INDIA bloc candidates, making the results crucial for projecting trends ahead of the second phase. Analysts consider constituencies with high-profile candidates as indicators of party performance statewide.

Voter Turnout and Civic Engagement

Early reports suggest enthusiastic turnout across most constituencies, reflecting the electorate’s engagement and awareness of the stakes involved. Youth participation is expected to be particularly high, with social media campaigns by influencers and public figures encouraging first-time voters to engage actively. For instance, music artist and youth icon Maithili Thakur urged young citizens to cast their votes responsibly, emphasizing that democratic participation is essential for shaping the state’s future policies.

Key Issues in the Election

Several issues dominate the electoral discourse in Bihar:

• Economic development: Job creation, infrastructure, and urban development remain central concerns.
• Agriculture and rural welfare: Farmers’ issues, including irrigation, crop pricing, and access to subsidies, are pivotal for rural constituencies.
• Law and order: Safety, policing, and governance reforms continue to influence voter sentiment.
• Public services: Healthcare, education, and welfare schemes are major determinants in both urban and rural polling areas.

Political parties have tailored their campaigns around these issues, promising reforms and interventions to address both local and state-level concerns.

Security and Electoral Oversight

Security arrangements were enhanced to prevent disturbances and ensure free and fair elections. Central and state police forces, along with election observers, monitored polling activities to maintain law and order. Special attention was given to sensitive constituencies, which have historically witnessed electoral tensions.

Looking Ahead: Phase Two and Results

Phase-two voting is scheduled for November 11, covering 122 constituencies. Once polling concludes, attention will shift to vote counting on November 14, when the Election Commission will announce the official results. The outcome of the elections will not only decide Bihar’s next government but will also influence broader national political calculations, including alliances and strategies for upcoming general elections.

Conclusion

The first phase of Bihar Assembly elections 2025 reflects a highly competitive political environment, characterized by robust voter participation, careful monitoring by the Election Commission, and intense campaigns by major political players. With millions of voters exercising their democratic rights, the elections are a crucial exercise in governance, representation, and accountability.

As the state moves toward the second phase of polling, citizens, political analysts, and media observers alike will closely watch the results for trends, surprises, and implications for Bihar’s political future. Voters are reminded to follow official announcements from the ECI and verified media sources to stay informed about polling updates, EVM issues, and electoral developments.