Bihar Records Historic 67.14% Voter Turnout in Final Phase of Assembly Elections

The second and final phase of Bihar’s assembly polls saw unprecedented participation, with 67.14% of voters casting their ballots across 122 constituencies.

Bihar created history on Tuesday as voters turned out in record numbers for the final phase of the state assembly elections. With a provisional turnout of 67.14%, this phase surpassed the first round’s 65.09% participation recorded on November 6.

The elections are being viewed as a major test for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who is not contesting himself but whose leadership and governance record are central to the campaign.

High Turnout Across Key Districts

Polling took place across 122 constituencies covering approximately 3.70 crore eligible voters. Election officials indicated that the final numbers could rise further as voters were still in queues at many polling stations even after 5 pm.

Kishanganj, Bihar’s only Muslim-majority district, led with the highest turnout at 76.26%. Other districts along the Nepal border also reported strong participation:

• Katihar: 75.23%
• Purnea: 73.79%
• Supaul: 70.69%
• Araria: 67.79%

Many of these districts fall within the Kosi-Seemanchal region, which is flood-prone and has a significant minority population.

Southern Bihar districts also saw healthy voter participation, with Jamui recording 67.81%, Gaya at 67.50%, and Kaimur at 67.22%. Nawada was the only district that failed to cross the 60% mark, recording 57.31% turnout.

High Stakes for All Parties

The elections carry immense significance for both the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition INDIA bloc. Eight ministers from Nitish Kumar’s cabinet were among the 1,302 candidates whose electoral fate was decided in this phase.

The BJP-led NDA is relying on Kumar’s track record of governance to counter anti-incumbency sentiment. Meanwhile, the opposition hopes to capitalize on voter fatigue with the current government and the high concentration of Muslim voters in several constituencies.

The Congress party faces a particularly crucial test. Despite being a weakened force, it remains the second-largest partner in the INDIA bloc in Bihar. Of the 19 seats it won in 2020, twelve were contested in this phase, including constituencies held by state president Rajesh Kumar Ram and senior leader Shakeel Ahmed Khan.

Leaders Appeal for Strong Participation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to set a new voting record, with special emphasis on first-time voters. “I urge all voters to participate enthusiastically and set a new voting record,” he posted on social media.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also appealed to voters, calling voting “not only our right, but also a responsibility.”

The ‘X Factor’ Weighs In

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor, considered the wildcard in these elections, attributed the high turnout to voters seeking an alternative. He believes the increased participation reflects support for his year-old political outfit.

Polling began at 7 am and continued until 5 pm under tight security arrangements. The districts where voting took place included West and East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, and Kishanganj—most of which share borders with Nepal.

The Seemanchal region, with its substantial Muslim population, has emerged as a battleground. The INDIA bloc is banking on minority community support, while the NDA has raised concerns about infiltration from across the border.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha expressed confidence in the results, saying people are endorsing the “double-engine government’s ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ approach.”

The high voter turnout in both phases suggests strong public interest in these elections, which are being closely watched as a referendum on Nitish Kumar’s long tenure as Bihar’s Chief Minister.