As the sun rose over Bihar on November 11, 2025, a palpable sense of anticipation swept across the state. Polling stations opened their doors at 7 a.m., marking the beginning of the second and final phase of what election officials have called a historic Bihar Assembly election. By the end of the day, a record-breaking 66.91% of eligible voters had cast their ballots, according to the Election Commission of India—a turnout not seen since 1951. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar described it as a “historic election,” with over 7.5 crore people exercising their democratic rights across both phases.
This final phase covered 122 constituencies in 20 districts, stretching from the bustling lanes of Mithila and the agricultural heartlands of the Kosi belt to the culturally rich regions of Magadh, Angika, and Seemanchal. The scale was immense: 1,302 candidates, including several ministers from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s government, were in the fray, hoping to secure a mandate from Bihar’s diverse electorate. The first phase, held on November 6, had already set records with a 65% turnout, but the enthusiasm only grew as the second phase unfolded.
Security was tight throughout the state, especially following a blast outside New Delhi’s Red Fort the previous day. Bihar’s Director General of Police, Vinay Kumar, assured the public that “security has been heightened across religious establishments and sensitive areas. For the second phase, our arrangements are clearly visible—police personnel are deployed at every corner, in riverine areas, and even on horseback in forest regions. So far, there has not been a single instance of obstruction to voting. People are fearlessly exercising their democratic right.” (Press Trust of India)
But the day was not without its challenges. Clashes erupted between supporters of different parties in Jehanabad and Araria, with police stepping in to restore order. Complaints flew between the major parties, most notably when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) of spreading misinformation on social media. The Election Commission was quick to address these concerns, and Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Singh Gunjiyal was scheduled to brief the press at 7:30 p.m. to provide updates on the day’s events.
The high voter turnout was especially notable among women, with the poll body reporting that 71.6% of female voters participated—significantly higher than the 62.8% turnout among men. This trend, observed in the first phase and continuing into the second, is widely believed to favor Nitish Kumar, whose welfare measures have resonated with female voters. Kumar himself, the state’s longest-serving chief minister, was seen visiting the JDU war room in Patna to monitor the proceedings, buoyed by reports that his party was poised for a strong showing.
The electoral contest was fierce. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP and JDU, hoped to retain its grip on power, while the RJD and Congress—backed by the INDIA bloc—sought to end Nitish Kumar’s two-decade reign. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, supported by Congress, was determined to break what he called the RJD’s “electoral jinx.” As he put it, “Women are voting in large numbers. There will be a change. People will give us their mandate on Friday. I see myself as number 1 in Mahua.” (ANI)
Veteran JD(U) leader Bijendra Prasad Yadav, the most senior member of the state cabinet, sought to retain his Supaul seat for a record eighth term. Other key ministers in the fray included Lesi Singh, Jayant Kushwaha, Sumit Singh, Mohammad Jama Khan, and Sheela Mandal from the JDU, as well as BJP leaders Prem Kumar, Renu Devi, Vijay Kumar Mandal, Nitish Mishra, Neeraj Bablu, and Krishnanandan Paswan. Their fates, along with those of hundreds of other candidates, now rest in the hands of Bihar’s voters.
District-wise turnout numbers revealed striking differences in voter enthusiasm. Kishanganj led the way with a staggering 76.26% turnout, closely followed by Katihar at 75.23%, Purnea at 73.79%, and Araria at 67.79%. In contrast, Nawada lagged with just 57.11%. Several districts, including Paschim Champaran, Banka, Jamui, and Gaya, reported turnouts above 67%, reflecting a surge in civic participation across much of the state.
The mood on the ground was one of determination and, at times, celebration. In Gaya, Soni Kumari, just hours after giving birth, arrived at her polling station in an ambulance with her newborn to cast her vote. “I voted keeping in mind the future of my child and for the development of Bihar,” she said, earning praise from election staff and fellow voters alike. In Katihar, a farmer named Anand Singh rode his buffalo to the polling station, proudly declaring, “There is more joy in this traditional mode of transport than in luxury cars. Our country and state are developing very rapidly; Bihar has truly picked up speed now.” (Aaj Tak)
Yet, not everyone was able to participate. Some residents, including Khusbu Devi from Pranpatti in Purnia, discovered their names had been removed from the voter list during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. “I couldn’t vote this time. My name wasn’t on the list. I don’t know what happened. No one came to our house. What could I do?” she lamented. The Supreme Court has since issued notices regarding the SIR process in Bihar and other states, highlighting ongoing concerns about voter disenfranchisement.
With voting concluded, political leaders wasted no time in staking their claims. RJD MP Manoj Jha expressed optimism, saying, “The change that knocked on our doors in the first phase is now turning into a big wave of change.” Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Syed Shahnawaz Hussain appealed to voters to support development and ensure Bihar stays on its growth trajectory. “I have voted. I appeal to everyone to cast their vote. We will go home now and then have breakfast,” he quipped after voting in Supaul with his wife. (ANI)
Exit polls released shortly after voting closed predicted a return of the NDA government, with a significant victory over the Mahagathbandhan and a disappointing debut for Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj party. However, as the state awaits the official results—set to be announced on November 14—the tension and excitement remain high.
For Bihar, this election has been more than a contest for power; it’s been a referendum on leadership, development, and the enduring power of democracy. Whether change is truly on the horizon or continuity prevails, the people of Bihar have made their voices heard in record numbers, leaving the rest of the country watching—and waiting—for what comes next.
