On-Ground Tensions and Key Incidents
The election day was not without its conflicts, with several high-profile incidents reported:
- Deputy CM's Convoy Attacked: In the most significant clash of the day, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha's convoy was allegedly attacked by RJD supporters in Lakhisarai district. Protesters surrounded his car, hurled slippers, and chanted slogans . Sinha accused RJD workers of "hooliganism" and preventing his polling agent from voting, vowing he would not let "jungle raj" prevail in Bihar .
- Alleged Booth Capturing: The confrontation escalated when Sinha arrived at Nadiawan village to inspect polling booths. He alleged that an RJD MLC and a Congress leader were drunk and attempting to capture a booth with administrative connivance . The Election Commission took note, with the Chief Election Commissioner directing the DGP to take immediate action .
-Other Sporadic Clashes: Additional incidents were reported from other parts of the state. In Vaishali, RJD supporters allegedly pelted stones at CRPF personnel . A CPI candidate's vehicle was also attacked in Saran's Manjhi seat .
Voter Turnout and Participation
Despite the tensions, millions of Biharis participated in the democratic process:
- By 3 PM, a turnout of 53.77% was recorded across the 121 constituencies .
- Begusarai district led with the highest participation at 59.82%, while the state capital, Patna, trailed with 48.69% .
- The Minapur constituency recorded the highest turnout at 64.72% .
Voter enthusiasm was visible, with scenes of citizens using boats in riverine areas of Patna and Danapur to reach polling stations . In a heartening incident from Alipur, an ailing elderly woman was carried on a cot by her family to cast her vote .
Political Leaders and Key Contests
Several prominent leaders cast their votes early, setting the tone for the day:
- RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, the INDIA bloc's chief ministerial face, voted in Patna alongside his family, including RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav .
- Chief Minister Nitish Kumar cast his ballot in Bakhtiyarpur .
- Union ministers, including Giriraj Singh, and Bihar's Deputy Chief Ministers, Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, were also among the early voters .
This phase featured several high-profile contests, including Tejashwi Yadav seeking a hat-trick from Raghopur and Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary contesting from Tarapur .
Allegations and Political Rhetoric
The election day was also marked by strong allegations from both sides:
- Opposition's EVM, Voter List Concerns: Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP would try to "steal votes" in Bihar as he claimed it did in Haryana, urging youth to be cautious at polling booths . The Congress and other opposition parties had previously questioned the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls that had removed about 60 lakh names from the voter list .
- BJP's Law and Order Focus: In response to the attack on his convoy, Vijay Kumar Sinha framed the incident as a precursor to "jungle raj" that would return if the opposition came to power . Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing rallies, asserted that the "NDA government will be formed again" on November 14 .
National Significance and Observer Interest
The Bihar election is being closely watched as a key test for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity and his alliance's hold over one of India's politically influential states . The results could impact the stability of Modi's federal coalition, which relies on allies like Nitish Kumar's JD(U) .
International interest was also visible, with delegates from Colombia visiting a model polling booth in Nalanda to observe the voting process .
What Comes Next
- The second phase of voting for the remaining 122 assembly seats will be held on November 11, 2025 .
- The counting of votes for both phases is scheduled for November 14, 2025, which will determine the composition of the 243-seat Bihar Legislative Assembly .
With the first phase setting a competitive tone, all eyes are now on the final round of polling that will decide whether the ruling NDA retains power or the opposition INDIA bloc stages a comeback.
