Bihar polls phase 1: Turnout 64.46 pc; ‘attack’ on DyCM’s convoy sparks row
Phase 1 polling takes place soon after SIR of electoral rolls; Tejashwi Yadav aims for a hat-trick in Raghopur, where BJP has fielded Satish Kumar Yadav
Bihar recorded a voter turnout of 64.46 per cent in the first phase of the Assembly elections on Thursday (November 6). This is the highest voter turnout in any single phase or overall elections in Bihar at least in the past 20 years.
Voting began at 7 am, with over 3.75 crore voters set to decide the electoral fate of 1,314 candidates, including top leaders such as the INDIA bloc's Chief Ministerial face Tejashwi Yadav and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary of the BJP.
Voting took place at 45,341 polling stations, an overwhelming majority of which (36,733) were in rural areas. Voting concluded at 6 pm. According to the Election Commission (EC), the voting percentage was 64.46 per cent.
Of the 3.75 crore voters in the 121 constituencies, 10.72 lakh were “new electors”, said the EC. The number of voters in the age group of 18-19 years, though, was 7.38 lakh.
The Assembly elections are taking place soon after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which now has 7.24 crore voters across the state, about 60 lakh less than the size before the exercise was undertaken.
Tejashwi Yadav aims for a hat-trick in Raghopur, where the BJP has fielded Satish Kumar Yadav against him. Satish Kumar, who was with the JD(U) earlier, had defeated Tejashwi's mother Rabri Devi in 2010.
The second phase of voting is on November 11, while the results will be declared on November 14.
Also read: Bihar elections Phase 1: Tejashwi, Samrat in key fights
Follow the live updates of voting in the first phase of Bihar Assembly elections here.
Live Updates
- 6 Nov 2025 5:14 PM IST
With Modi, Shah and EC, Mamdani wouldn't have stood a chance in Bihar
"In recording a scintillating electoral victory to make his way through to the office of the Mayor of New York City against all odds, Zohran Mamdani has felled even the world’s tormentor-in-chief, Donald Trump, and become the toast of the five continents. Trump had mobilised the biggest captains of capital against the 34-year-old “democratic socialist” of Indian heritage, and threatened to cut federal funds as a gesture of intimidation.
But, in all likelihood, Mamdani would have cut no ice in Bihar, or even in a Patna Corporation election, if the likes of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah were ranged against him."
Indian elections risk becoming rituals without meaning as a compromised Election Commission ensures the die is cast well before the first vote is — a sharp opinion piece by senior journalist Anand K Sahay.
Opinion | With Modi, Shah and EC, Mamdani wouldn't have stood a chance in Bihar
- 6 Nov 2025 4:23 PM IST
YouTuber Khan Sir casts vote, urges youth to vote wisely
Popular YouTuber and educator Faizal Khan, popularly known as “Khan Sir”, cast his vote in Patna during the Bihar Assembly elections on Thursday and appealed to young electors to turn out in large numbers at polling booths to strengthen the democratic process.
Speaking to reporters after exercising his franchise, he said: “India is the mother of democracy, and voting is everyone’s right. This is the only moment when the poor and the rich become equal. If one does not cast their vote, it is very unfortunate. What is the benefit of living in a democracy?”
Urging voters to choose candidates carefully, Khan Sir said, “Cast your vote wisely. Choose whoever you think is the right candidate. Preferably vote for someone in your constituency who is good and keeps education, employment, health and security in mind.”
He stressed that a low turnout weakens democratic participation. “If people do not vote, others begin to question the value of democracy. And if you don’t vote today, tomorrow an ignorant person may end up ruling over you,” he said.
“Vote for whichever party you support, but you must go out and vote. Even if you don’t like any candidate, press NOTA, but do cast your vote. Especially among the young generation, there seems to be a trend of low voting… this perception should be broken, and the young generation must come forward,” he added.
- 6 Nov 2025 3:51 PM IST
DIG Rakesh Kumar orders probe into attack on Bihar Deputy CM’s convoy
Following an attack on Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha’s convoy in Khoriari village, Lakhisarai, DIG Munger Range Rakesh Kumar said a detailed investigation is underway and promised firm action against those responsible. “I’ve spoken with the local candidate, the Deputy CM… Whoever is responsible for this incident will face strict action,” he stated.
The incident occurred when RJD supporters allegedly surrounded Sinha’s car, hurled slippers, and pelted stones, shouting “Murdabad” slogans and preventing him from entering the village.
Despite the clash, the DIG assured that polling remained unaffected. “An investigation is currently underway… There are three areas under me: Munger, Lakhisarai, and Sheikhpura. Voting is going on peacefully in all three areas,” he said, adding, “There has been no disruption to voting at all in this area.”
- 6 Nov 2025 3:42 PM IST
Bihar polls phase 1: 53.77 per cent voter turnout recorded by 3 pm
The voter turnout on the opening day of the first phase of the Assembly elections in Bihar till 3 pm stands at 53.77 per cent. While Begusarai has recorded a voter turnout of 59.82 per cent, Patna recorded the lowest turnout (48.69 per cent).
- 6 Nov 2025 3:34 PM IST
Rahul Gandhi alleges BJP, EC involved in vote theft in Bihar
At a rally in Purnea, Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP and the Election Commission of manipulating elections and urged voters to safeguard democracy. “Wherever they are contesting elections, they are winning elections by stealing votes,” he alleged.
Gandhi claimed that evidence of electoral malpractice had already been presented. “Yesterday, we showed the whole world that the BJP and the Election Commission have stolen the Haryana elections, and they stole the last election in Bihar as well,” he said.
Calling for vigilance in the ongoing polls, he urged people to “not let vote theft happen this time.”
Targeting the top leadership, Gandhi asserted, “Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and the Election Commission are involved in vote theft.” Emphasising citizens’ duty to defend democracy, he told voters, “It is your responsibility to protect the Constitution.”
- 6 Nov 2025 3:08 PM IST
CEC orders action after attack on Deputy CM Vijay Sinha’s convoy
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Thursday instructed the Bihar DGP to take “immediate action” following allegations by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha that his convoy was attacked by RJD supporters in Lakhisarai.
An official quoting the CEC said, “No one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands. Strict action will be taken against the miscreants.” The directive came after Sinha claimed that his vehicle was surrounded and attacked while visiting his constituency.
The Election Commission urged citizens to vote freely and peacefully, stating that all necessary security measures were in place to ensure a safe polling environment.
(With agency inputs)
- 6 Nov 2025 2:54 PM IST
Bihar Deputy CM Vijay Sinha vows to prevent return of ‘Jungle Raj’
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha met Lakhisarai SP Ajay Kumar and DM Mithilesh Mishra to brief them on the situation at a polling booth in Khoriari village, where his convoy was earlier surrounded and attacked with stones by RJD supporters.
Speaking after the incident, Sinha asserted his determination to maintain order in the state, saying, “I will not let Jungle Raj prevail in Bihar. There will be no Jungle Raj in Bihar as long as Vijay Sinha is there.”
- 6 Nov 2025 2:47 PM IST
Bihar Deputy CM visits polling booth with SP after RJD's protest
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, accompanied by Lakhisarai SP Ajay Kumar, visited a polling booth in Khoriari village after alleging that his polling agent had been turned away. Tension arose as Sinha’s convoy entered the area, where RJD supporters reportedly surrounded his car and pelted stones.
Police personnel escorted the Deputy CM to the booth to assess the situation and maintain order. Sinha reiterated his complaint about voter intimidation, claiming that his party’s representatives were being prevented from carrying out their duties. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident to ensure smooth polling.
- 6 Nov 2025 2:44 PM IST
Lakhisarai SP confirms probe into protest during Vijay Sinha's visit
Lakhisarai Superintendent of Police Ajay Kumar on Thursday confirmed that an investigation is underway following a brief disturbance during Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha’s visit to the area. Speaking to reporters, the SP said, “I came here in the morning, everything was peaceful. When he (Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha) arrived, some people opposed him.”
Kumar added that police immediately intervened to control the situation and ensure order. “We are conducting an investigation,” he said.
- 6 Nov 2025 2:37 PM IST
RJD Supporters Attack Deputy CM Vijay Sinha’s Convoy in Lakhisarai
Tensions erupted in Khoriari village, Lakhisarai, when RJD supporters allegedly attacked Deputy Chief Minister and BJP candidate Vijay Kumar Sinha’s convoy during his visit to the area. According to reports, the crowd surrounded his car, hurled slippers, and pelted stones and cow dung, while chanting “Murdabad” slogans against him.
The incident occurred as Sinha toured his constituency amid the Bihar Assembly elections, leading to chaos and a temporary halt in movement. Police personnel were present at the spot and worked to disperse the mob.
Following the attack, Sinha contacted the Superintendent of Police (SP) over the phone, seeking immediate intervention and additional security. The Deputy CM accused RJD supporters of orchestrating the disturbance and alleged attempts to intimidate voters ahead of polling. Authorities have since strengthened the security arrangements in the area to prevent further escalation and maintain order during the ongoing elections.
