Early Voting Sees Strong Turnout
The first phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 began today across all 243 constituencies, witnessing brisk voting in several districts. According to the Election Commission, over 13% turnout was recorded in the initial hours, with long queues seen outside polling booths in Patna, Gaya, and Muzaffarpur despite tight security and warm weather conditions.
Voters were seen lining up as early as 6:30 a.m., signaling an energized electorate determined to shape Bihar’s political future.
NDA vs Mahagathbandhan: The Grand Battle
The election marks a fierce battle between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) — comprising the BJP and JD(U) — and the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) led by RJD and Congress.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, seeking yet another term, faces stiff anti-incumbency and growing youth discontent, while Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD is campaigning aggressively on employment, inflation, and corruption issues.
Political analysts see this as a referendum on Nitish’s governance model versus Tejashwi’s promise of “Naya Bihar.”
Amit Shah’s Offensive in Bettiah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah sharpened the NDA’s campaign in Bettiah, launching a blistering attack on the RJD for its alleged role in Bihar’s “lawlessness era” of the 1990s.
“Under NDA, there will be no place for bahubalis (strongmen) or jungle raj,” Shah declared, drawing thunderous applause from the crowd.
He accused the RJD-Congress alliance of “dragging Bihar back to chaos” and emphasized the NDA’s development-driven governance under Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Shah’s rally in Bettiah, a politically crucial constituency in West Champaran, was attended by thousands and is being viewed as a strong show of force for the NDA ahead of the next voting phase.
Key Constituencies to Watch
Several high-stakes seats have emerged in this phase, including Raghopur (Tejashwi Yadav’s bastion), Barh, Nalanda, and Bettiah, where local caste dynamics and youth turnout are expected to play decisive roles.
Observers note that the JD(U)’s rural base and the RJD’s consolidated Yadav-Muslim vote bank could make the contest one of the most unpredictable in years.
Security and Election Management
Over 1 lakh security personnel have been deployed across sensitive districts to ensure peaceful polling. Drones and body cameras are being used at key booths, while EVMs and VVPATs are under round-the-clock surveillance.
Election Commission officials said voting has been largely peaceful so far, with only minor technical glitches reported in some areas.
The Road Ahead
The counting of votes will take place on November 23, and results are expected to set the tone for the 2026 Lok Sabha battle, making Bihar a political bellwether for national alliances.
With early turnout figures hinting at enthusiastic participation, all eyes now turn to whether Bihar votes for continuity or change.
