Patna, November 6, 2025 — The first phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 concluded on Thursday with a provisional voter turnout of 64.46% across 121 constituencies, according to the Election Commission. Despite a few stray incidents of violence, polling remained largely peaceful across the state.
An estimated 3.75 crore voters exercised their democratic right in what is seen as a decisive round for both the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc. Several high-profile leaders, including RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav, Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Sinha and Samrat Choudhary, were among the key contestants in this phase.
Deputy CM Vijay Sinha Alleges Attack in Lakhisarai
A major flashpoint emerged during the polling when Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha alleged that his convoy was attacked by RJD supporters in Lakhisarai, his home constituency. Sinha claimed that his vehicle was pelted with stones and slippers, and cow dung was thrown at his convoy while his team was campaigning near a polling booth.
“The incident proves that if RJD returns to power, Bihar will again witness jungle raj,” Sinha told reporters.
The Deputy CM further accused the local administration of inaction, alleging that RJD supporters were attempting to capture a polling booth.
Election Commission Takes Swift Action
Following Sinha’s allegations, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar directed Bihar DGP to take immediate action and ensure law and order.
“No one will be allowed to take law into their own hands. Strict action will be taken against the miscreants,” an EC official quoted the CEC as saying.
The Election Commission has also urged voters to cast their ballots without fear, emphasizing that CCTV monitoring was in place at all polling stations for the first time in Bihar.
CEC Monitors Polling via Live Feed
The Election Commission’s top brass, including Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners S.S. Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, monitored real-time polling activities from the control room at Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi.
Officials confirmed that live CCTV feeds from polling stations across the state helped track incidents and maintain transparency.
Leaders Cast Their Votes Early
Several prominent leaders were among the early voters. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, his father Lalu Prasad Yadav, and Union Minister Giriraj Singh were seen casting their votes early in the day. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar exercised his franchise at Bakhtiyarpur, while Deputy CMs Vijay Sinha and Samrat Choudhary voted in Lakhisarai and Tarapur, respectively.
RJD candidate and Bhojpuri actor Khesari Lal Yadav also cast his vote in Saran district, adding star power to the polling day.
Voting Trends and Turnout
The polling began at 7 AM and witnessed steady participation throughout the day.
- 13.13% turnout was recorded by 9 AM
- 27.65% by 11 AM
- 42.31% by 1 PM
- and finally 64.46% by close of polling
Begusarai, Lakhisarai, and Gopalganj were among the districts with the highest voter participation.
Political Rhetoric Heats Up
During the day, political leaders from across parties made emotional appeals to voters.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge urged people to “teach a lesson to opportunistic rulers,” while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called on voters to come out in large numbers “to protect their right to vote.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Bihar mein aaj loktantra ke utsav ka pehla charan hai… Pehle matdaan, phir jalpaan!”
Next Phase on November 11
The second phase of polling for the remaining 122 seats is scheduled for November 11, while vote counting will take place on November 14.
Political observers note that the first phase has set the tone for a high-stakes electoral battle between the NDA and INDIA bloc, with issues like development, employment, and law and order dominating the discourse.