Bihar Election 2025: Brisk polling is underway in Bihar, where more than 74 million voters are deciding the fate of 243 assembly seats in a two-phase election. The results, scheduled for 14 November, are expected to set the tone for several upcoming state polls across India.
The contest is crucial for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is seeking to strengthen its presence in one of India’s poorest yet politically influential states. The BJP, in alliance with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United), faces a strong challenge from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-Congress alliance led by Tejashwi Yadav.
Voter turnout was reported at 42% by midday, with long queues at polling stations across 18 districts. Authorities arranged electric rickshaws and other facilities to help elderly and disabled voters reach polling booths.
The elections come amid controversy over a revised voter list, which opposition parties allege unfairly excluded genuine voters—charges denied by both the Election Commission and the BJP.
Women are expected to play a decisive role, as nearly half of Bihar’s electorate are female. Analysts note that women in the state tend to vote on welfare and livelihood issues, prompting parties to focus campaign promises on financial aid and social schemes.
The Bihar election is also seen as the final major political face-off for veteran leaders Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad Yadav, marking the end of an era in state politics.
