Bihar polls phase 1: Turnout 64.46 pc; ‘attack’ on DyCM’s convoy sparks row

PM Modi hails Bihar voter turnout, urges all to cast votes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday lauded the strong voter turnout during the first phase of polling in Bihar, calling it a reflection of the people’s commitment to development.

Speaking from Araria, he said, “Today, the first phase of voting is taking place to develop Bihar.” He noted the vibrant participation across districts, adding, “Stunning pictures are coming from different corners of Bihar on social media. Long lines have been forming at polling stations since the morning.”

Modi praised the large presence of women and youth, saying, “Mothers, sisters, and daughters are coming out in large numbers to vote. There is unprecedented enthusiasm among the youth of Bihar as well.”

Extending his best wishes to voters, he urged everyone to take part in shaping Bihar’s future, remarking, “I congratulate all the voters. I appeal to the people to come out and cast their votes.”

Lalu calls for change as Nitish urges high turnout in Bihar polls

As voting began for the first phase of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, political leaders from both major alliances made appeals to voters and traded barbs over governance.

Former Chief Minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav called for change, saying the state needed new leadership after two decades of NDA rule. “Tawa se roti palatati rahni chahiye nhi toh jal jayegi (The roti should keep turning on the tawa, otherwise it will burn). Twenty years is too long! Now, for the youth government and the new Bihar, a Tejashwi government is extremely necessary,” Lalu said in a post on X. He also shared a photo with his wife Rabri Devi and son Tejashwi Yadav after voting.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also exercised his franchise in Bakhtiyarpur, urging citizens to participate actively. “In democracy, voting is not only our right but also our duty,” he wrote on X, encouraging people to “vote first, then refreshments.”

Watch: EC monitors Bihar polls via live CCTV feed from all booths

The Election Commission of India closely monitored polling across Bihar on Thursday using live CCTV feeds from all polling stations—installed for the first time across the state. Officials confirmed that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners S. S. Sandhu and Vivek Joshi were stationed at the control room in Nirvachan Sadan, overseeing the proceedings in real time.

The Commission’s top brass reviewed live visuals throughout the day to ensure transparency and smooth conduct of voting. As many as 121 Assembly constituencies went to polls in the first phase of the Bihar elections, while the second phase is scheduled for November 11, and the results will be declared on November 14.

Patna DSP Anu Kumari says polling smooth, no issues reported

Patna DSP Anu Kumari on Thursday said that polling for the first phase of the Bihar Legislative Assembly Election 2025 was progressing without any disruptions. “The police and the administration are assisting the public, and the polling is taking place smoothly,” she said while inspecting a polling booth earlier in the day.

Kumari assured that law and order were being maintained effectively and that any minor issues reported were being addressed promptly. “There are no issues anywhere... Any kind of minor inconvenience is being met immediately,” she added, emphasising the administration’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful voting process.

Bihar polls peaceful, says Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit

Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit on Thursday said that the first phase of polling in the Assembly elections was proceeding peacefully across the state. “As per information received till now, no untoward incident has been reported anywhere,” he said, adding that Bihar had always set an example in conducting smooth and fair elections. “We will conduct this election well,” he assured.

Calling the day significant for democracy, Amrit said, “It is a very important day, and I have come here along with my family to cast my vote.” He urged all eligible citizens to participate in the democratic process, saying, “I appeal to the voters to exercise their right to vote.”

His remarks came as polling continued across the state, with election officials maintaining that the process was running efficiently and securely under close monitoring.

Bihar polls phase 1: 27.65 per cent voter turnout recorded by 11 AM

The voter turnout in the opening day of the first phase of the Assembly elections in Bihar till 11 am stands at 27.65 per cent. While the Begusarai district recorded the highest turnout (30.37 per cent), Patna recorded the lowest turnout at 23.71 per cent 

Bihar: Munger’s Bhimband votes after 20 years

For the first time in 20 years, residents of Bhimband in Bihar’s Naxal-affected Munger district cast their votes peacefully, marking a historic moment in the region’s return to normalcy. The area, once considered unsafe due to extremist activity, witnessed enthusiastic voter participation as polling resumed after two decades.

A local villager expressed his joy, saying, “We are feeling very good… Earlier, the situation was not favourable since 2005. Now, there is no fear. We are living peacefully ever since the camp was set up here.” He added that the government’s support through free rations and security had improved lives significantly.

Another voter, Neelam Kumari, told ANI, “Earlier, we had to cross the entire jungle to reach Gaay Ghat. Now it is nearby and convenient. The arrangements are good. I want to thank the Election Commission.”

A young voter said, “I completed 18 years but could not vote earlier as it was risky to cross the jungle. Now, we got the chance to vote and hope the government will bring change for the youth.”

Confirming the restored confidence, a government official noted, “This is booth no. 310… Voting is taking place here after 20 years. We assured voters they could vote freely without fear.”

Bihar Deputy CM Vijay Sinha alleges RJD threatened poll agent in Lakhisarai

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and BJP candidate from Lakhisarai, Vijay Kumar Sinha, said polling was progressing smoothly across the state during the first phase of the Assembly elections. However, he alleged that “people of RJD threatened the polling agent at booths in Halsi block.”

Accusing the opposition of resorting to old tactics, Sinha said, “People of RJD still have the mindset of booth capture. But the public is the true owner.” He asserted that the BJP and the Election Commission were committed to ensuring that only “genuine votes are cast.”

Condemning such actions, he added, “RJD-Congress are symbols of anarchy… such a mindset is a curse for democracy.”

EC denies RJD’s claim of power cuts at Mahagathbandhan booths

The Election Commission has refuted the RJD’s allegation that during the voting in the first phase, electricity is being cut off intermittently at the strong booths of the Mahagathbandhan with the intention of slowing down the voting.

"This allegation is completely baseless and misleading. Voting is taking place smoothly at all polling stations in Bihar. The Election Commission of India is following all standard protocols to ensure that the voting process is fair, transparent, and uninterrupted. There is no basis for such misleading propaganda,” said the Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar in a post on X.

“During the voting in the first phase, electricity is being cut off intermittently at the strong booths of the Mahagathbandhan with the intention of slowing down the voting. Slow voting is being deliberately caused. Please, the Election Commission, take immediate cognisance of such rigging with "malicious intent" and "mala fide intentions" and take prompt action. @ECISVEEP @CEOBihar,” alleged RJD

Mukesh Sahani casts his vote with family in Gaura Bauram

VIP chief and Mahagathbandhan’s Deputy CM candidate Mukesh Sahani cast his vote with his family at Gaura Bauram during the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections.