Patna, 6 November: Bihar witnessed its highest-ever voter turnout in the first phase of assembly elections on Thursday, with nearly 65 per cent of 3.75 crore eligible voters casting their ballots across 121 constituencies. The Election Commission described the polling as peaceful, noting a “festive mood” despite a few isolated incidents of violence, including an alleged attack on Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha’s convoy.
The first phase marks the beginning of a closely watched contest, seen as a litmus test for the ruling NDA’s two-decade rule in the state. The alliance is highlighting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s record of “sushasan” (good governance) and recent welfare measures, including 125 units of free electricity, Rs 10,000 cash transfers to over 1 crore women, and higher social security pensions.
Opposition parties, led by Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD-Congress-led INDIA bloc, are banking on anti-incumbency sentiment and promises of “jobs-for-all” to challenge the ruling coalition. RJD president Lalu Prasad, calling for change on social media, likened the state to a roti that must be flipped after 20 years to avoid burning.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who addressed rallies in constituencies going to the second phase on November 11, said the high turnout of women voters signaled support for the NDA. “Mothers, daughters, and sisters have been the worst sufferers of ‘jungle raj’. Today, they seem to have put up a fortress around polling booths to prevent its return,” he said.
The first phase involves 1,314 candidates, including key leaders from both sides, with counting scheduled for November 14. Stray violence, allegations of voter intimidation, and claims of deliberately slowed voting in certain areas were reported but largely rejected by the EC.
The election has also seen the entry of Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party, which is emerging as a potential dark horse. Kishor has pledged bold reforms, including plans to scrap the state’s prohibition law, aiming to position Bihar among the country’s top-performing states.
Caste and community remain pivotal in Bihar politics, with Yadavs, Kushwahas, Kurmis, Brahmins, and Dalits expected to influence key constituencies across the state.
