PATNA, November 11, 2025 – Bihar’s electoral destiny is rapidly being sealed today as the state registers an impressive turnout in the second and final phase of the Assembly Elections.1 By 3:00 PM, the Election Commission of India (ECI) reported a substantial 60.40% voter turnout across the 122 constituencies in fray, indicating a strong surge in participation that could potentially surpass the record set in the first phase.2
This final stage of polling covers critical regions including the Kosi belt, Mithila, Magadh, and the politically vital Seemanchal area, where voter enthusiasm is defining the last chapter of this high-stakes contest.3
Phase 2: High Turnout Amidst Tight Security
The second phase of voting, which began at 7:00 AM, saw brisk polling activity throughout the day, suggesting that the final turnout figure will be significant.4
- Comparison to Phase 1: The 60.40% recorded by 3 PM in this phase is considerably higher than the 42.31% recorded by the same time in Phase 1 (held on November 6). However, Phase 1 ultimately closed with a historic 64.66% turnout.5 Analysts suggest Phase 2 is positioned to match or even exceed that figure.
- Seemanchal Region Leads: Districts in the Seemanchal region, with its high concentration of minority voters and intense multi-cornered contests, are driving the surge. Early trends indicated Kishanganj leading the pack, followed closely by Purnia and Katihar.
- Security on High Alert: Polling is being conducted under a heavy security umbrella.6 In the wake of Monday’s car blast near the Red Fort in Delhi, the Bihar Police placed its forces on high alert. The state’s international border with Nepal was sealed for 72 hours as a preemptive measure to ensure a peaceful election process.7
Key Candidates and Regions in Focus
This final phase will decide the fate of 1,302 candidates and test the political strength of both the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc.8
| Region | Significance | Key Candidates in the Fray |
| Seemanchal | Crucial region with high Muslim voter concentration; key battleground for the INDIA bloc. | Bijendra Prasad Yadav (JD-U), Tarkishore Prasad (BJP), Mehboob Alam (CPI-ML). |
| Magadh Belt | Includes key urban and semi-urban seats like Gaya Town (Prem Kumar, BJP). | Prem Kumar (BJP), Jitan Ram Manjhi (HAM), Snehlata Kushwaha (RLM). |
| Mithila Region | Home to several incumbent ministers. | Leshi Singh (JD-U), Sheela Mandal (JD-U), Renu Devi (BJP). |
The Political Stakes
Both major alliances are claiming the high turnout is a vote in their favour:
- NDA’s Hope: The ruling alliance, led by JD(U)’s Nitish Kumar, is relying on the high turnout of women voters, a demographic often credited with supporting the CM’s welfare schemes.9
- INDIA Bloc’s Claim: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, the INDIA bloc’s chief ministerial candidate, claims the “record voting” reflects a “big wave of change” and a public desire for “results” over “hollow rhetoric” and job creation.
With polling set to continue until 5:00 PM (and for those already in queues), the political fate of Bihar for the next five years is being decided.10 The counting of votes for both phases is scheduled for November 14th.
