Bihar Assembly Elections 2025: Record 66.9% Voter Turnout Marks Historic Democratic Milestone

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar declared the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections as "historic" on Tuesday, emphasizing the remarkable participation of over 7.5 crore voters in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This achievement was made possible through the efforts of grassroots election workers and approximately 1.76 lakh booth-level agents representing all political parties.

Kumar stated, "The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections were historic. Over 7.5 crore voters participated in the Special Intensive Revision of the voters' list. The transparent efforts of election workers were so effective that none of Bihar's 38 District Magistrates received a single appeal regarding the SIR."

The Chief Election Commissioner further highlighted that these elections marked a significant milestone in India's democratic journey, with voters achieving the highest turnout since 1951 at approximately 66.9% across both phases.

"Voters have made history in independent India by casting the highest percentage of votes in all elections held since 1951, at approximately 66.9%. Women demonstrated their complete trust in the Election Commission, resulting in an unprecedented 71% voter turnout. These transparent and peaceful elections in Bihar have set an example for the entire nation," Kumar added.

According to the Election Commission of India, the second phase recorded an approximate 68.52% voter turnout by 7 pm, with final figures yet to be released.

Exit polls suggest that the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is positioned to form the government again in Bihar, with predictions indicating that the opposition Mahagathbandhan will fall short of the majority mark in the 243-member state assembly.

The exit polls also indicate that Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj party, making its electoral debut, is unlikely to secure a significant number of seats. These predictions were released after the conclusion of voting, with the first phase held on November 6 and the second phase completed on Tuesday.

The second phase will determine the political fate of 12 ministers from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's cabinet. JD(U) leaders contesting include Vijendra Yadav (Supaul), Lesi Singh (Dhamdaha), Jayant Kushwaha (Amarpur), Sumit Singh (Chakai), Mohammad Jama Khan (Chainpur), and Sheela Mandal (Phoolparas).

BJP ministers in the electoral contest include Prem Kumar (Gaya), Renu Devi (Bettiah), Vijay Kumar Mandal (Sikati), Nitish Mishra (Jhanjharpur), Neeraj Bablu (Chhatapur), and Krishnanandan Paswan (Harsiddhi).

The counting of votes is scheduled for November 14.