Bihar Election 2025: 42.3% polling by 1 pm; Which state recorded lowest voter turnout?

Patna: The first phase of Bihar’s 2025 Assembly elections saw 42.31% voter turnout across 121 constituencies as of 1 PM today, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI). Polling, which began at 7 AM, will continue till 6 PM in most areas and concludes at 5 PM in some constituencies. District-Wise Turnout Highlights Among the districts, Gopalganj reported the highest voter turnout at 46.73%, followed closely by Begusarai at 46.02%. In contrast, the state capital Patna recorded the lowest turnout at 37.72%. The first phase of polling covers 121 out of Bihar’s 243 assembly constituencies and is considered crucial in shaping the overall outcome of the elections. Bihar Elections 2025: Turnout hits 27.65% by 11 am; Details inside Three-Way Contest in Focus This election phase marks a high-stakes triangular contest between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United), the opposition Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) led by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Indian National Congress, and Prashant Kishor’s debutant Jan Suraaj Party. Analysts suggest that the emergence of the Jan Suraaj Party may alter vote dynamics in key constituencies. High-Profile Candidates in the Fray Several prominent leaders are fighting closely contested battles. NDA’s Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is contesting from Tarapur, while RJD’s chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav is seeking re-election from Raghopur. Tejashwi’s brother, Tej Pratap Yadav, is contesting from Mahua on the ticket of his own party, Janshakti Janata Dal. Other notable candidates include BJP’s Maithili Thakur from Alinagar and JD(U)’s Anant Singh from Mokama, who is currently in jail in connection with the alleged murder of Jan Suraaj supporter Dularchand Yadav. Bihar Elections: Eknath Shinde says people reject ‘Jungle Raj’, echoes PM Modi’s call for stability Tejashwi Yadav’s Raghopur Challenge Tejashwi Yadav is aiming to maintain his winning streak in Raghopur, where he faces BJP’s Satish Kumar, who had previously defeated his mother, former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, in 2010 when contesting on a JD(U) ticket. Analysts suggest the outcome of this constituency will be closely watched as a key indicator of voter sentiment toward the RJD and the Grand Alliance. Polling Process and Voter Engagement Polling officials reported smooth voting processes across most constituencies. Security arrangements were heightened in sensitive areas to ensure peaceful conduct. The Election Commission continues to monitor voter participation, particularly in constituencies where political tensions are high. The first phase of voting sets the stage for subsequent phases in Bihar, where electoral battles across multiple regions will determine the state’s political trajectory. With key leaders and new parties in the fray, analysts and voters alike are keenly observing how voter turnout and sentiment will influence the results of this high-stakes election.