Author: Bihar Say | Amrita |

Bihar Votes with Heart: Record 64.66% Turnout Reflects a New Wave of Awareness

Bihar made history today.
With 64.66% voter turnout in the first phase of the 2025 Assembly Elections, the state witnessed its highest-ever participation in a state election. For a land often stereotyped for its politics, this number tells a deeper story — one of awareness, change, and rising political consciousness.

From Apathy to Action: Bihar’s Voters Step Forward

According to the Election Commission, the 64.66% turnout surpassed all previous state records, beating the 62.57% turnout in 2000 and even the 64.6% seen in the 1998 Lok Sabha polls.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar expressed gratitude to voters and poll staff, acknowledging their role in this democratic celebration.

This surge comes after a special revision of the voter list, which removed 47 lakh names. Many critics argued the move would suppress turnout, especially among poor and marginalized communities. Yet, Bihar turned up stronger. The passion for change clearly outshined the numbers on paper.

A Closer Look at Bihar’s Political Pulse

Historically, higher voter turnouts in Bihar have signaled waves of transformation. In 2010, Nitish Kumar’s JD(U), allied with the BJP, won big with just 52.73% turnout.
In 2015, when Nitish switched sides to ally with Lalu Yadav’s RJD, turnout jumped by over 4%, and the alliance triumphed.
Five years later, he realigned with the BJP, and despite a slight increase in turnout, his party lost 28 seats — showing that numbers alone don’t decide the outcome.

Now, in 2025, the first-phase turnout is 7.37% higher than the 2020 overall average. That’s not a small leap — it’s a sign of re-engagement, especially among first-time and rural voters.

Anti-Incumbency or Reclaimed Trust?

Conventional wisdom says a high turnout often means anti-incumbency. However, Bihar’s story might not be that simple.
Across India, states like Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh saw higher turnouts but voted for the same party again. Bihar could follow a similar pattern — or rewrite its own.

For the Mahagathbandhan, led by Tejashwi Yadav, this turnout might be an encouraging sign. He’s contesting from his family bastion, Raghopur, which has consistently favored the Yadav legacy. Meanwhile, Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary (BJP) and folk icon Maithili Thakur, contesting from Alinagar, also drew heavy local attention.

Each ballot cast today carries emotion — frustration, hope, and belief — all stitched together into one powerful democratic act.

The Road Ahead: Bihar’s Story Isn’t Over Yet

Only 121 out of 243 constituencies have voted so far. The remaining half will go to polls on November 11, and results will be declared on November 14.
What happens next could redefine the political balance of Bihar.

But beyond parties and alliances, this turnout stands as a tribute to every voter who chose action over apathy.
Bihar is not just voting — it’s speaking. Loudly, clearly, and with purpose.

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Source- ndtv