Bihar witnessed an unprecedented voter response in the second and final phase of the 2025 Assembly Elections, recording over 60% turnout across 122 constituencies. The phase is seen as crucial for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s government, as several key ministers and allies contested for re-election.
Record voter participation across 20 districts
According to the Election Commission, voter turnout stood at 60.4% by 3 pm, marking the highest-ever participation in the state’s history. Over 3.70 crore voters, including 1.74 crore women, were eligible to vote across 45,399 polling centres.
This round featured 1,302 candidates, of which 136 are women, contesting from constituencies spread across West Champaran, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, and Kishanganj, all bordering Nepal.
Major leaders and candidates in the fray
As many as 12 ministers from Nitish Kumar’s cabinet contested in this phase, including Bijendra Prasad Yadav (Supaul), Sumit Kumar Singh (Chakai), Mohd Zama Khan (Chainpur), Leshi Singh (Dhamdaha), and Renu Devi (Bettiah), among others.
The phase also tested the electoral influence of smaller NDA allies — Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustani Awam Morcha and Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Morcha — both contesting six seats each. Family members of both leaders, Deepa Manjhi and Snehalata Kushwaha, are also in the fray.
Seemanchal region holds key significance
Four districts in the Seemanchal region, known for its substantial Muslim population, went to polls, making it a decisive battleground for both the ruling NDA and the opposition Mahagathbandhan.
Among the most-watched seats is Kahalgaon in Bhagalpur, witnessing a four-cornered contest involving RJD, Congress, JD(U) and an Independent candidate — BJP rebel Pawan Kumar Yadav.
Prominent faces and security measures
Other key contestants include state Congress chief Rajesh Kumar (Kutumba), former assembly speaker Uday Narayan Chaudhary (RJD), CPI-ML leader Mehboob Alam, Commonwealth Games gold medallist Shreyasi Singh (BJP), and Bhojpuri actor-singer Ritesh Pandey (Jan Suraaj Party).
To ensure smooth conduct of polling, the state deployed over four lakh security personnel across sensitive areas.
Bihar had already recorded a 65% voter turnout in Phase 1, indicating a strong engagement by the electorate this year. Counting of votes will be held on November 14, followed by the release of exit polls later today.