Bihar Elections 2025: Turnout hits 27.65% by 11 am; Details inside

Patna: Voting is underway for 121 seats in the first phase of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. By 11 AM, the state has recorded an average voter turnout of 27.65 percent, reflecting active engagement from citizens. Samastipur district has recorded 25.11 percent voter participation, indicating a steady flow of voters at polling stations. Earlier in the day, by 9 AM, the Election Commission reported an average turnout of 13.13 percent across all districts. Saharsa led with 15.27 percent, while Lakhisarai lagged at just 7 percent. Other districts showing early voting include Begusarai at 14.60 percent, Buxar at 13.28 percent, Darbhanga at 12.48 percent, Muzaffarpur at 14.38 percent, and Patna at 11.22 percent. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Urges Voters to Participate Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar took to social media to remind citizens of their democratic duty. “Voting is not only our right but also our responsibility. I urge all voters to cast their vote today and inspire others to do the same. First vote, then refreshment,” he said, emphasizing the importance of early participation in the elections. Bihar Phase 1 Voting: CM Nitish Kumar votes in Bakhtiyarpur, urges voters to ‘exercise rights’ Bihar Leaders Vote Early Several prominent leaders set an example by casting their votes early. Tej Pratap Yadav, national president of Jan Shakti Janata Dal and candidate from Mahua, stressed the value of every vote, highlighting the blessings of the public as crucial to political success. Bhojpuri actor and BJP leader Pawan Singh encouraged voters to step out for development, noting that participation strengthens democracy. Vikassheel Insaan Party chief and Mahagathbandhan’s Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Sahani cast his vote in Darbhanga with his family. He urged citizens to vote in large numbers to reinforce the democratic process. Phase 1 Polling Underway Across 18 Districts Phase 1 of the elections covers 18 districts and 121 constituencies. Voting will continue until 6 PM. Bihar’s assembly has a total of 243 seats, with the second phase scheduled for 11 November. The results of the elections will be announced on 14 November. The elections are shaping up as a crucial contest between the NDA, led by the BJP and JD(U), and the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan. Analysts note that voter turnout in the first phase could set the tone for the state’s political landscape, reflecting both urban and rural engagement. Bihar Elections 2025: From Rs 373 crore to Rs 1000; Meet the richest and poorest candidates Security and Election Management Voting is being conducted under tight security arrangements to ensure free and fair elections. Early turnout patterns indicate a high level of voter interest, suggesting a competitive electoral battle in key constituencies. Summary Table of Voter Turnout (11 AM) As per the data released by the Election Commission the voter turnout is given below- Begusarai: 30.37 Lakhisarai: 30.32 Gopalganj: 30.04 Saharsa: 29.68 Muzaffarpur: 29.66 Khagaria: 28.96 Vaishali: 28.67 Saran: 28.52 Madhepura: 28.46 Buxar: 28.02 Samastipur: 27.92 Siwan: 27.09 Bhojpur: 26.76 Munger: 26.68 Nalanda: 26.86 Darbhanga: 26.07 Sheikhpura:26.04 Patna: 23.71 Overall Turnout: 27.65%