Record 69 per cent turnout caps Bihar's high-stakes polls

Patna: Bihar on Tuesday witnessed a record-breaking turnout of nearly 69 per cent in the second and final phase of polling, wrapping up a nearly month-long exercise that saw the ruling NDA defend its "sushasan" pitch against the opposition's onslaught, promising "change".

The results, which will be declared on November 14, will decide whether Nitish Kumar, the JD(U) president and the longest serving Chief Minister, secures yet another tenure or his former deputy Tejashwi Yadav, who has likened the 20-year-old regime to a "rickety old car" (khataara), takes the wheel.

The polling percentage across 122 constituencies comprising 3.70 crore voters, which was higher than the “record” 65.09 turnout registered in the first phase on November 6, was likely to go up, as queues of voters were seen at many booths, officials said.

Kishanganj, the lone Muslim-majority district in the state, recorded the highest polling percentage so far at 76.26, followed by adjoining Katihar (75.23) and Purnea (73.79), Supaul (70.69) and Araria (67.79).

Voting began at 7 am across 122 constituencies and will continue till 5 pm under tight security arrangements, election officials said. The concluding phase, spanning 20 districts, will decide the fate of 1,302 candidates, including several ministers in the Nitish Kumar-led government.

Officials reported a steady rise in polling through the day, with voters turning out in large numbers despite warm weather conditions in several districts. This crucial final round will play a key role in shaping the next Bihar government as the state wraps up its two-phase electoral exercise.

A Decisive Phase Across 20 Districts

This concluding phase spans 20 districts and is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the next state government. It also marks the end of weeks of intense campaigning by major political parties across Bihar.

A total of 1,302 candidates, including 136 women and one third-gender contestant, are contesting in this phase. The constituencies cover key regions of central, western, and northern Bihar.

Massive Voter Base and Polling Arrangements

Nearly 3.7 crore eligible voters — comprising 1.95 crore men and 1.74 crore women — are casting their ballots at 45,399 polling stations, the highest number ever set up in a single phase in Bihar’s electoral history.

The Election Commission has made elaborate logistical and security arrangements to ensure smooth voting. Paramilitary forces have been deployed across sensitive locations, while several points along the India-Nepal border have been sealed to prevent illegal cross-border movement and ensure a peaceful poll.

Political Stakes and Key Contenders

The fate of several ministers in the Nitish Kumar-led government will be decided in this phase. The election is also being closely watched as a test of strength for smaller NDA partners such as the Hindustani Awam Morcha, led by Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Morcha.

Looking Back: Phase 1 Turnout

The first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, held on November 6, concluded peacefully with a record voter turnout of 64.66 per cent — the highest in the state’s electoral history, according to Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Singh Gunjiyal.

That phase covered 121 constituencies across 18 districts and saw participation from 3.75 crore electors.

Counting and Results Timeline

Counting of votes for all 243 Assembly constituencies is scheduled for November 14. The result will determine which alliance secures the confidence of the electorate and forms the next Bihar government.