Bihar Election 2025 Phase 1 – Full Coverage and Detailed Analysis

The first phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 marks the beginning of one of the most crucial political battles in India this year. The excitement, voter enthusiasm, and high-profile participation have set the tone for what’s expected to be a closely contested election. Let’s dive deep into everything that unfolded — from voter turnout and key candidates to the mood on the ground and the larger narrative shaping Bihar’s political future.

1. Overview – When, Where, and What’s at Stake

The Bihar Assembly Election 2025 is being held in multiple phases, and Phase 1 began on November 6, 2025, covering 121 constituencies across 18 districts.

Key Numbers:

• Total Seats in State Assembly: 243

• Seats in Phase 1: 121

• Total Candidates: 1,314

• Total Eligible Voters: 3.75 crore (37.5 million)

• Polling Stations: Over 90,000 across Bihar

Voting commenced at 7 a.m. and will continue till 5 p.m., with minor time variations depending on local security conditions.

This phase is vital because it includes some of Bihar’s most politically sensitive constituencies and involves both seasoned leaders and emerging faces vying for public support.

2. Major Political Players and Alliances

National Democratic Alliance (NDA)

Led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United), the NDA enters the polls emphasizing development, governance, women’s empowerment, and welfare schemes. The alliance projects itself as the symbol of “continuity and stability.”

Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance)

Headed by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), along with the Congress and Left parties, this alliance focuses on “Badlaav” (change). Their narrative revolves around rising unemployment, farmer distress, inflation, and the need for a new leadership direction in Bihar.

Other Players

Newer forces like Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj, and smaller regional parties, are also testing their appeal among youth and first-time voters. While their immediate impact might be limited, they are expected to shape the larger voter narrative in some regions.

3. Key Candidates and Constituencies

Phase 1 includes several high-stakes constituencies where some of Bihar’s biggest political figures are contesting:

• Tejashwi Yadav (RJD) – Contesting from Raghopur, a seat symbolically associated with the Yadav family. He represents the Mahagathbandhan and is projecting himself as the face of generational change.

• Tej Pratap Yadav (RJD) – Also in the fray, hoping to revive his political standing and support his brother’s leadership.

• Samrat Choudhary (BJP) – Contesting from Parbatta, seen as one of the key faces of the NDA and a potential chief ministerial candidate in the future.

• Deputy CMs Vijay Kumar Sinha and Mangal Pandey – Both from the BJP, seeking to retain their respective constituencies.

• Maithili Thakur, the folk singer turned first-time candidate, has emerged as a youth icon and is expected to draw considerable local support.

The constituencies of Raghopur, Mokama, Darbhanga, and Begusarai have seen particularly fierce contests.

4. Early Voting Trends and Turnout

According to the Election Commission’s morning report, 13% polling was recorded by 9 a.m., reflecting a strong early turnout. Women and first-time voters were visibly active in the initial hours of polling.

Voter Mood:

• Rural areas witnessed long queues early in the day, suggesting high enthusiasm among farmers and labour communities.

• Urban constituencies saw a gradual increase in participation as the day progressed.

• Minor technical glitches in EVMs and VVPATs were reported in a few polling stations, but they were resolved promptly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged citizens with his message, “Pehle Matdaan, Phir Jalpaan” (Vote first, refreshments later), urging voters to prioritize their democratic duty.

On the opposition side, Tejashwi Yadav and Rabri Devi expressed optimism about “a wave of change” sweeping across Bihar. Both brothers, Tejashwi and Tej Pratap, were among the early voters in Patna.

5. The Battle of Narratives

The 2025 Bihar Election is not just about alliances — it’s about two competing visions for the state.

NDA’s Narrative – “Development and Governance”

• Focus on continued infrastructure growth: roads, electricity, and digital services.

• Promotion of women’s participation in education and politics.

• Assertion that Bihar’s crime rate and law & order situation have improved under the current government.

Mahagathbandhan’s Narrative – “Change and Opportunity”

• Criticism of rising unemployment and migration of youth to other states.

• Accusations that the “double engine government” (state + centre) failed to deliver inclusive progress.

• Promises of government job creation, better healthcare, and education reforms.

Both alliances are deploying emotional appeals — the NDA banking on stability and development, while the Mahagathbandhan is invoking legacy, identity, and social justice.

6. Youth, Caste, and Gender Factors

Bihar’s political equations have always been shaped by caste arithmetic, but 2025 shows signs of shifting voter behaviour.

• Youth Vote: Nearly 40% of voters are below 35 years of age. Their primary concerns include jobs, education, and migration.

• Women Voters: Traditionally considered an NDA stronghold due to welfare schemes, women have turned out in high numbers yet again.

• Caste Dynamics:

  • Yadavs, Kurmis, and Koeris remain key vote banks for RJD and JD(U).

  • The BJP is focusing on upper caste, non-Yadav OBCs, and Dalit voters.

  • The Muslim vote is largely aligned with the Mahagathbandhan.

7. On-Ground Reports and Incidents

A few early reports indicated EVM malfunctions in some booths in Vaishali and Darbhanga, temporarily halting voting for about 20–30 minutes.
In Vaishali, tensions rose as local voters accused polling staff of bias, shouting “Vote Chori Band Karo” (Stop Vote Theft), but the situation was quickly controlled by security forces.

The Election Commission confirmed that over 1.25 lakh police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed to ensure peaceful voting across the 18 districts.

8. The Broader Implications

This election is a litmus test for both Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav.

• For Nitish Kumar, it’s about defending his legacy and relevance after nearly two decades in power.

• For Tejashwi Yadav, it’s a chance to emerge as Bihar’s new generation leader.

The outcome of Phase 1 will set the momentum for subsequent phases, shaping narratives for the entire election.

9. Public Sentiment – “Kaam Kiya Hai to Badle Bihar”

The election’s central slogan — “Kaam Kiya Hai to Badle Bihar” — captures the prevailing sentiment of accountability. People are not voting merely on caste or loyalty, but also on performance and development promises.

However, many voters, especially in semi-urban and rural belts, feel disconnected from both extremes — the seasoned leadership of the NDA and the youthful energy of the Mahagathbandhan.

10. Conclusion – The Road Ahead

The 2025 Bihar Assembly Election Phase 1 has set the tone for an intensely competitive and vibrant democratic process. With a balanced mix of legacy leaders, youth voices, and local issues dominating the polls, Bihar is witnessing a dynamic political transformation.

As voting continues, both alliances are eyeing early momentum that could carry them through the remaining phases. The key takeaway so far: Bihar’s voters are alert, assertive, and eager for change — but what kind of change, only the results will reveal.