Patna/New Delhi: Bihar witnessed a vibrant display of democracy on Thursday as the first phase of the assembly elections concluded in a peaceful and festive atmosphere. By the end of polling, the voter turnout reached a historic high of 64.66%, the highest ever recorded in Bihar. With 121 constituencies across 18 districts going to the polls, over 3.75 crore voters were eligible to cast their votes.
At the district level, Begusarai recorded the highest turnout at 67.32%, while Sheikhpura saw one of the lowest at roughly 52.36%. With figures from 1,570 presiding officers still pending, final turnout numbers may rise slightly.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with election commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, monitored the proceedings closely through 100% live-webcasting of polling stations, a first for the state.
The scale of preparation was impressive. Over four lakh polling staff were deployed across 45,341 polling stations, and mock polls were completed before 7 AM under the supervision of 67,902 polling agents, representing 1,314 candidates. International observers also took note: 16 delegates from six countries— South Africa, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Belgium and Colombia — attended as part of the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) and praised the elections for being “transparent, well-organised, and highly participative”.
The ECI implemented several voter-friendly innovations. These included coloured candidate photos on EVM ballots, newly designed voter information slips, a mobile deposit facility, and a limit of 1,200 voters per station to reduce crowding. Over 90,000 Jeevika Didis and CAPF personnel assisted purdah‑nasheen women, while facilities such as wheelchairs and e-rickshaws ensured accessibility for persons with disabilities. District and constituency-wise turnout figures were updated promptly on the ECINet App, allowing real-time monitoring.
Political leaders quickly responded to the record turnout. RJD leader and Mahagathbandhan chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav said, “The people of Bihar have come out to vote for change. This is a clear signal that the era of neglect and inefficiency must end.”
On the other hand, BJP national president JPNadda expressed confidence in the ruling alliance, saying “I have full faith that the sacred land of Bihar, the mother of democracy, will give the NDA its blessings and massive support.”
Other opposition parties, including Congress, highlighted that the surge in voter participation reflects public frustration with the status quo, while the NDA interpreted it as recognition of its governance and welfare initiatives.
As Bihar gears up for the second phase of polling on November 11, with results expected on November 14, all eyes will be on whether the innovations and high voter engagement are sustained across the remaining 122 constituencies. Analysts will closely watch whether the turnout benefits the ruling alliance or gives the opposition momentum for unexpected gains.
In short, the first phase of the Bihar assembly elections not only set new benchmarks for participation but also demonstrated inclusive, well-managed, and technologically advanced polling, paving the way for an intensely competitive second phase.