The second and final phase of voting for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections began on Tuesday morning across 122 constituencies. Polling started at 7 am and will continue till 5 pm under tight security arrangements.

This phase will decide the fate of 1,302 candidates, including several ministers from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s cabinet. The elections are being seen as a key test of strength for the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), particularly for its smaller allies—the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) led by Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) headed by Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha.

High voter enthusiasm in final phase

According to data released by the Election Commission, around 14.55% voter turnout was recorded till 9 am. Polling officials reported brisk voting in rural areas of Gaya, Nalanda, and Madhubani, while urban centres such as Patna and Muzaffarpur saw moderate turnout in the early hours.

In the first phase, held on November 6 across 121 constituencies, Bihar registered its highest-ever voter turnout of 64.66%, reflecting strong participation and competitive campaigning by both the ruling and opposition alliances.

Top leaders appeal for higher turnout

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters in Bihar to cast their votes in large numbers, calling upon first-time voters to “set a new record of participation.”
“Today marks the second and final phase of Bihar Assembly elections. I urge all voters, especially the youth, to come out and vote in record numbers,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also appealed to citizens to vote responsibly, stating that casting a vote is “not only a right, but also a responsibility.”

Security stepped up amid Delhi blast alert

Following Monday’s Red Fort explosion in Delhi, which claimed nine lives, the Bihar Police issued a statewide security advisory to ensure smooth polling.
All district police chiefs have been instructed to intensify patrolling, monitor sensitive areas, and maintain heightened vigilance around polling stations and major public places.

The advisory aims to prevent any law-and-order disruptions during the voting process. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel are deployed in all 122 constituencies, with drone surveillance and live monitoring at key locations.

Key battlegrounds and political dynamics

The Seemanchal region—comprising Purnea, Araria, Kishanganj, and Katihar—has emerged as one of the most critical electoral battlegrounds. The area, home to a significant Muslim population, has witnessed high-decibel campaigns from the BJP, JD(U), RJD, and Congress, with rallies addressed by Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Political analysts suggest that the outcome in Seemanchal and Mithilanchal could play a decisive role in shaping the overall election results. Intra-alliance contests within the NDA and opposition alliances are also being closely watched in constituencies such as Gaya Town, Hilsa, and Darbhanga Rural.

Candidates and representation

According to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), 32% of candidates contesting in this phase have declared criminal cases, including serious offences. Nearly half of them are crorepatis, reflecting the rising cost of electoral participation.
However, the data also reveals a stark gender gap—only 10% of candidates are women, underlining continued underrepresentation in Bihar’s political landscape.

Exit polls and results

Exit polls are expected to be released after voting ends at 5 pm. Election authorities have reiterated that polling will continue beyond closing time for voters already in the queue. The final results of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections will be declared after counting concludes later this week.

Conclusion

As Bihar votes in the concluding phase of a high-stakes election, the state remains a focal point of national political attention. The results will determine not only the future of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s alliance but also signal broader trends ahead of the 2026 general elections.