Bihar phase 1 polling underway; PM Modi urges people to vote with ‘full enthusiasm’

As Bihar votes in the first phase of its 2025 Assembly Elections, over 3.75 crore people will decide the fate of 1,314 candidates- but can early trends reveal which way the political tide is turning in this high-stakes battle?

Patna: The first phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 began at 7 am today across 18 districts, covering 121 constituencies. More than 3.75 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots in this crucial round, which will play a defining role in shaping the political narrative of the state.

The voting process, which will continue until 6 pm, is being held under tight security arrangements. Central paramilitary forces have been deployed across sensitive areas, and the Election Commission has set up extensive webcasting systems to ensure transparency.

Bihar Election 2025: Phase 1 Polling Begins in 18 Districts — Who Will Take Early Lead?

PM Modi’s Appeal: ‘Vote with Full Enthusiasm’

Ahead of polling, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the people of Bihar to participate in large numbers, calling the election the “festival of democracy.”

“My appeal to all voters of this phase is that they should vote with full enthusiasm. On this occasion, my special congratulations to all my young companions who are casting their vote for the first time. Remember—first voting, then refreshments!” he posted on X.

बिहार में आज लोकतंत्र के उत्सव का पहला चरण है। विधानसभा चुनावों में इस दौर के सभी मतदाताओं से मेरा आग्रह है कि वे पूरे उत्साह के साथ मतदान करें। इस मौके पर पहली बार वोट डालने जा रहे राज्य के अपने सभी युवा साथियों को मेरी विशेष बधाई। याद रखना है- पहले मतदान, फिर जलपान!

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 6, 2025

The prime minister’s message was seen as a rallying call to boost voter turnout, particularly among the youth and first-time voters.

Key Constituencies and Prominent Contests

The first phase includes politically significant constituencies spread across Patna, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, and other regions. Several heavyweight candidates are in the fray, including Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.

In Mahua, a keen triangular contest has emerged between Tej Pratap Yadav (Janshakti Janata Dal), Mukesh Kumar Raushan (RJD), and Sanjay Singh (LJP). The outcome of this seat is expected to be closely watched given its symbolic and political significance.

First phase of Bihar Elections 2025 underway; Over 2.5 crore voters set to cast their ballots

NDA vs Mahagathbandhan: The Bigger Battle

The election is primarily a face-off between the NDA, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and the BJP, and the Mahagathbandhan (INDIA bloc) led by Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD. However, Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj, contesting all 243 seats in its debut election, is adding a new dimension to the political contest, aiming to challenge the traditional power blocs.

Next Phase and Counting

The second phase of voting is scheduled for November 11, with vote counting to be held on November 14. As the first phase unfolds, all eyes are on voter turnout and early trends, which may set the tone for the high-stakes electoral battle ahead.