Voting is underway for 121 seats across 18 districts in the first phase of the Bihar Elections 2025. By 9 AM, the average voter turnout was 13.13%. Begusarai and Muzaffarpur recorded higher voting, while Patna registered a lower turnout.
Bihar Election 2025: Polling for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 commenced on Thursday morning. By 9 AM, the total average voter turnout was recorded at 13.13 percent. Voting is taking place for 121 assembly constituencies across 18 districts in this phase. The Election Commission of India has implemented extensive security arrangements to ensure peaceful and transparent polling. For the first time, webcasting facilities have been made available at all polling stations in the state to allow immediate monitoring of any situation from the control room.
Where was the highest voter turnout recorded?
In the first two hours of the morning, Begusarai and Muzaffarpur showed a lead in terms of voter percentage. Begusarai recorded 14.60 percent polling and Muzaffarpur recorded 14.38 percent. Meanwhile, Saharsa saw 15.27 percent, Vaishali 14.30 percent, and Khagaria 14.15 percent voting. Due to the predominantly rural nature of these districts, people are arriving at polling stations early in the morning.
In contrast, the capital city of Patna recorded only 11.22 percent voter turnout by 9 AM, which is considered the lowest percentage so far. The administration has issued awareness messages, announcements, and social media appeals to encourage higher voter participation.
Status of Candidates and Seats
A total of 121 seats are included in the first phase of polling, comprising 102 general seats and 19 seats reserved for Scheduled Castes. In this phase, more than 37.5 million voters will exercise their franchise, deciding the fate of 1314 candidates.
The political future of several prominent leaders is also at stake in this phase. Many ministers of the government, including Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha, are contesting in this phase. On the other hand, polling is also taking place today in Raghopur, the constituency of Mahagathbandhan's Chief Ministerial candidate, Tejashwi Yadav.
Polling Hours
Considering sensitivity, polling hours have been reduced by one hour in some assembly constituencies. In these areas, voting will commence at 7 AM and conclude at 5 PM. For all other areas, polling hours are scheduled from 7 AM to 6 PM.
A total of over 450,000 security personnel have been deployed for security. This includes 1500 companies of central security forces, Bihar Police, BSAP, Home Guard, trainee constables, and watchmen. Special vigilance has been increased along the borders with Nepal and Uttar Pradesh.
Arrangement of Polling Stations
A control room has been established at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer. Voters or the general public can register complaints about any irregularities with the control room. Special kits have been provided at polling stations for keeping mobile phones outside, to maintain discipline within the polling booths.
There are also several polling stations where the responsibility of operations lies with women and persons with disabilities. 926 polling stations are being managed by female staff, and 107 polling stations are being managed by personnel with disabilities. These centers have been categorized as Model Polling Stations to ensure a smooth and dignified voting experience.
Districts Included in the First Phase
The districts where voting is taking place in the first phase include Madhepura, Saharsa, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Munger, Lakhisarai, Sheikhpura, Nalanda, Patna, Bhojpur, and Buxar. Various measures have been implemented in these districts, considering the number of polling stations, geography, and security situation.
