Bihar Elections 2025: 13.13% voter turnout recorded by 9 am in Phase 1 polling

Polling for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections 2025 is currently underway, with the state registering an approximate voter turnout of 13.13% till 9 AM, according to data from the Election Commission’s Turnout App.

Also Read- Bihar Election 2025 Live

Which districts saw the highest turnout?
As per EC data, Saharsa led with the highest turnout at 15.27%, followed by Begusarai (14.60%), Khagaria (14.15%), and Muzaffarpur (14.38%). On the other hand, Lakhisarai reported the lowest voter turnout so far at 7% in the early hours.

Other districts recorded steady participation rates, Darbhanga (12.48%), Nalanda (12.45%), Patna (11.22%), Samastipur (12.86%), and Saran (13.30%).

Read more: Bihar Election Phase 1 Live

Voting across 121 constituencies

The first phase of polling covers 121 constituencies across 18 districts, where more than 3.75 crore voters will decide the fate of 1,314 candidates. Prominent leaders in the fray include Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav, Samrat Choudhary, Vijay Kumar Sinha, and Maithili Thakur.

Voting began at 7 AM and will continue till 6 PM, though polling hours have been shortened in certain constituencies due to security concerns. The Election Commission has deployed Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and state police to ensure smooth and peaceful polling.

Facilities and arrangements

To make the process more inclusive, special booths have been set up for women and differently-abled voters. Boats have also been arranged to help polling officials and voters reach riverine areas. This phase features a diverse mix of candidates, including 122 women contenders, reflecting a blend of experienced politicians and new entrants.

PM Modi’s message to voters

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to urge voters in Bihar to turn out in large numbers, calling it the “festival of democracy.” He extended his best wishes to first-time voters, encouraging them to cast their vote before doing anything else, “pehle matadan, phir jalpan” (vote first, then refreshments).

Bihar Election Phase 1

This phase marks the beginning of Bihar’s high-stakes electoral contest, which will set the tone for the following rounds. The next phase of polling for the remaining 122 seats will be held on 11 November, while counting of votes is scheduled for 14 November.