Bihar witnessed a record-breaking voter turnout of 66.91% in the recently concluded assembly elections, marking the highest participation in the state’s electoral history, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Highest Turnout in 27 Years
This year’s voter turnout surpassed the previous record of 64.6% registered in 1998. Women voters outnumbered men significantly, with 71.6% of women casting their votes compared to 62.8% of men.
The second phase of polling saw 69% turnout, while the first phase on November 6 recorded 65.09%. The overall participation reflects a major surge from the 57.29% turnout in the 2020 Assembly elections. Analysts view this as a public verdict on the performance of Bihar’s longest-serving Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar.
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Regional Highlights
Kishanganj, the only Muslim-majority district, recorded the highest polling percentage at 76.26%, followed by Katihar (75.23%), Purnea (73.79%), Supaul (70.69%), and Araria (67.79%).
Southern districts such as Jamui (67.81%), Gaya (67.50%), and Kaimur (67.22%) also saw robust participation. The lowest turnout (57.31%) was recorded in Nawada, the only district below 60%.
High-Stakes Battle for NDA and INDIA Bloc
Though Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is not contesting, the BJP-JD(U)-led NDA has focused on its record of good governance to counter anti-incumbency. The second phase, involving eight cabinet ministers, was crucial for both the ruling alliance and the INDIA bloc, which counts on anti-incumbency and minority votes in the Kosi-Seemanchal region.
The phase also held importance for the Congress, the second-largest party in the INDIA bloc. Of the 19 seats it won in 2020, 12 were contested in this phase, including by state Congress president Rajesh Kumar Ram (Kutumba) and senior leader Shakeel Ahmed Khan (Kadwa).
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Leaders Urge Voters to Participate
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar appealed to citizens to vote in large numbers during the final phase.
“Today marks the final phase of voting in the Bihar Assembly elections. I urge all voters, especially the youth, to set a new record,” Modi said on X (formerly Twitter).
Nitish Kumar echoed the sentiment, stating, “Voting is not only our right but also our responsibility. I appeal to all voters to exercise their franchise.”
