Today, the grand festival of democracy has commenced in Bihar. The first phase of polling for the 2025 State Assembly elections is underway since 7 AM. In this phase, votes are being cast for a total of 121 assembly constituencies across 18 districts. A large number of voters are arriving at polling stations to elect their representatives.
Patna: The first phase of polling for the Bihar Assembly elections has begun. Voting is ongoing since 7 AM across a total of 121 assembly constituencies in 18 districts in this phase. In the first phase, 1314 candidates are trying their luck, including 1192 men and 122 women. Out of these, 102 seats are for the general category, while 19 seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes. A total of 3,75,13,302 voters will exercise their franchise, comprising 1,98,35,325 men, 1,76,77,219 women, and 758 third-gender voters.
Now, all eyes are on how much the voter turnout increases compared to the last election, and among the 121 seats, specifically the 22 seats that saw a particular turnout last time, who are the new faces in the fray this time, and which veteran leaders have re-entered the electoral battle.
The Big Contest of the First Phase
In the first phase, a total of 1,314 candidates are in the fray, including 1,192 men, 122 women, and 758 third-gender voters. Among them are many new faces who are trying their luck in the electoral arena for the first time, while some veteran leaders are once again testing their popularity among the public. Out of these 121 seats, 102 are for the general category, while 19 seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC).
According to the State Election Commission, 3,75,13,302 voters will exercise their franchise in this phase. This includes 1,98,35,325 men, 1,76,77,219 women, and 758 third-gender voters.
Electoral Buzz in 18 Districts
The districts participating in the first phase of polling include Gaya, Aurangabad, Nawada, Jamui, Kaimur, Buxar, Bhojpur, Rohtas, Arwal, Jehanabad, Patna, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Banka, Munger, Bhagalpur, and Khagaria. Robust security arrangements have been made in these districts. Along with the deployment of paramilitary forces, local administration has maintained special surveillance at sensitive and hyper-sensitive polling stations.
Several prominent figures are in the fray in this phase. The contest is considered interesting in seats like Gaya Town, Nalanda, Jehanabad, Buxar, and Patna Sahib Rural. On some seats, young candidates are beginning their political innings for the first time, while some veteran politicians are once again trying to win the public's trust. A tough competition is being witnessed among NDA, INDIA alliance, and other regional parties.
Glimpse of the Last Election
In the last Assembly elections (2020), an average voter turnout of 55.68% was recorded across the 121 seats in the first phase. Of these, 22 seats saw more than 60% voting. This time, the Commission expects voters to participate enthusiastically and that the voter turnout percentage will increase. Long queues have been observed at polling stations in rural areas since morning, while crowds in urban areas are expected to grow by afternoon.
The State Election Commission reported a significant increase in the number of voters aged 18 to 29 this time. Female voters are also exercising their franchise in large numbers. The Commission has provided special facilities for differently-abled and senior citizens to ensure they can cast their votes easily.
