Patna, November 12, 2025 — Bihar has scripted history with a record-breaking 67% voter turnout, the highest since India’s independence. The second phase of polling witnessed an even greater participation rate of 69%, reflecting an unprecedented enthusiasm among voters across rural and urban areas.
According to the Election Commission, this surge in turnout marks a remarkable rise from the 56.8% participation recorded in the 2020 Assembly elections. Polling officials described the conduct as largely peaceful, barring minor incidents of malfunctioning electronic voting machines (EVMs) in a few districts.
Historic participation across Bihar
The voter enthusiasm was visible from early morning queues in cities like Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Bhagalpur to remote villages in Seemanchal and Kosi regions.
Chief Electoral Officer H. R. Srinivas said, “This is a historic day for Bihar. The state has shown how democracy thrives when citizens participate wholeheartedly.”
Women and first-time voters played a decisive role in the record turnout. Reports indicate that female voter participation surpassed male turnout in several constituencies, particularly in Gopalganj, Madhubani, and Nawada.
Political analysts attribute this surge to an intense campaign season led by all major parties, social media mobilization, and voter awareness drives conducted by local NGOs and youth groups.
Exit polls predict NDA’s return
As voting concluded, major exit polls began projecting a clear majority for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
According to a joint survey by India Today-Axis My India, the NDA is expected to secure around 154 seats in the 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly. The Mahagathbandhan (RJD-Congress-Left alliance) is likely to win approximately 78 seats, while smaller parties may share the remainder.
If these projections hold, the NDA, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), will comfortably form the next government — extending its long-standing political dominance in the state.
Regional trends and voter issues
Exit polls reveal regional variations in voting behavior:
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North Bihar strongly favored the NDA, driven by development and welfare narratives.
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South Bihar, including districts like Aurangabad and Rohtas, showed mixed trends with the RJD gaining ground.
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Seemanchal and border regions witnessed competitive contests with a rise in turnout among minority communities.
Key voter issues in this election included employment, inflation, caste dynamics, and law and order. Despite repeated promises, unemployment remained a central theme, especially among young and educated voters.
Political reactions
Reacting to the exit poll predictions, BJP leader Sanjay Jaiswal expressed confidence, saying, “The people of Bihar have once again chosen stability and development. We will continue to deliver on our promises.”
Meanwhile, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav dismissed the projections, claiming, “Exit polls have been wrong before. The real verdict will be from the people, not TV studios.”
Political observers note that even if the NDA returns to power, the composition of the Assembly could change significantly, reflecting evolving voter expectations.
Election Day snapshots
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Over 60,000 security personnel were deployed across 38 districts.
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Polling was conducted across 75,000 booths with enhanced security and surveillance.
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Special facilities were arranged for differently-abled and elderly voters.
The Election Commission reported over 10 lakh first-time voters, a record figure highlighting Bihar’s youthful demographic.
What’s next
The counting of votes is scheduled for November 14, and all eyes are on whether the actual results will align with exit poll projections. A victory for the NDA would mark yet another electoral triumph for Nitish Kumar, while an upset could redefine Bihar’s political landscape for the next decade.
Regardless of the outcome, Bihar’s record voter turnout has reaffirmed the strength of India’s democracy and the state’s growing political consciousness.
