Bihar’s second and final phase of assembly elections concluded Tuesday with a record-breaking voter turnout of 68.79%, according to Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Singh Gunjiyal. The polling covered 122 seats across strategically important regions including Magadh, Champaran, and Seemanchal.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar highlighted the historic nature of the participation during a press briefing: “Today, voters have also made history in independent India today. They cast the highest percentage of votes in all elections held since 1951, at approximately 66.9%. Women have expressed their complete faith in the Election Commission, resulting in the highest voter turnout ever, at 71%.”
Significant Increase from Previous Bihar Elections
The turnout marks a substantial increase from the 2020 assembly elections when the second phase recorded 58.8%. Earlier elections saw even lower participation—58.3% in 2015 and 53.8% in 2010 during their respective second phases. The first phase on November 6 had already set a strong precedent with 65.08% turnout.
Female voters significantly outpaced male participation, with 74.03% of women casting ballots compared to 64.1% of men, demonstrating growing political engagement among women voters.
Regional Variations and Key Contests
Four districts exceeded 70% turnout: Katihar led with 78.39%, followed by Kishanganj (77.91%), Purnea (75.87%), and Paschim Champaran (70.75%). Jamui, Araria, and Gaya also recorded strong participation above 68%.
The electoral battle features the ruling NDA against the Mahagathbandhan opposition alliance, with Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party emerging as a potential spoiler. Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM is targeting Muslim-majority Seemanchal constituencies, hoping to replicate its five-seat performance from 2020.
Notable candidates include Bijendra Prasad Yadav of JD-U seeking his eighth term from Supaul, BJP’s Prem Kumar from Gaya Town, and former deputy chief minister Tarkishore Prasad from Katihar.
Among 1.75 crore women voters in the electorate, most fall within the 30-60 age demographic. Voting occurred at 45,399 polling stations under heightened security following a blast near Delhi’s Red Fort that killed eight people and injured over twenty.
Election results will be announced on November 14.
