With polling underway in 121 constituencies across 18 districts on November 6, 2025, the stage is set for an intense showdown between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition Mahagathbandhan in the first phase of Bihar’s 2025 Assembly elections.
Top 10 Points to Know
- Voting began on Thursday, 6 November 2025, for 121 of Bihar’s 243 Assembly seats — the remainder will go to polls on November 11.
- The contest spans 18 districts, placing central and eastern Bihar at the heart of this phase.
- Early turnout stood at 13.13 % by 9 a.m., according to the Election Commission’s data.
- Key figures including Nitish Kumar (Chief Minister) and Tejashwi Yadav (opposition CM-candidate) cast their votes early, marking high political visibility.
- Major campaign themes include jobs, education, law & order, and youth migration — issues resonating strongly in the constituencies up for vote.
- The NDA is defending its incumbency, while the Mahagathbandhan aims to leverage anti-incumbency sentiment and promises of “jobs for every home.”
- High-profile candidates include ministers, actors, a singer and even a transgender contestant — showing the diversity of voluntary engagement.
- The outcome of Phase 1 is viewed as a bell-wether for the final result, making performance in these 121 seats crucial.
- Both alliances have ramped up poll machinery and booth-level mobilisation, in view of the tight margins in previous elections.
- Security, voter-facilitation and online monitoring have been stepped up, especially in light of migration and remote-voter issues across the state.
Why This Phase Matters
- The seats going to poll now represent roughly half the Assembly, making the first phase a major test of momentum.
- A strong showing by either side could influence narrative-setting for Phase 2 and the final count on November 14.
- As Bihar enters a high-stakes election, any shifts in regional voting patterns or turnout may indicate broader changes in the state’s political landscape.
