Bihar – The Bihar election 2025 commenced today with Phase 1 voting across 121 of the state’s 243 assembly constituencies, marking a crucial triangular contest between major political alliances. Polling began at 7 am and will conclude at 6 pm in most areas, with some locations closing at 5 pm. This election represents a high-stakes battle involving the ruling National Democratic Alliance, the opposition Mahagathbandhan, and the debut of Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party.
Major Candidates in the Spotlight
The Bihar election 2025 Phase 1 features several prominent candidates whose electoral fortunes will significantly impact the overall outcome. Rashtriya Janata Dal’s Tejashwi Yadav is seeking a hat-trick victory from the Raghopur constituency, where he faces BJP’s Satish Kumar. Kumar notably defeated Tejashwi’s mother, Rabri Devi, from this seat in 2010 while contesting on a JD(U) symbol, adding historical significance to this contest.
BJP’s rising star Maithili Thakur is making her electoral debut from the Alinagar constituency, representing fresh energy within the National Democratic Alliance. Other key candidates include Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary fighting from Tarapur, Tejashwi’s brother Tej Pratap contesting from Mahua on his own Janshakti Janata Dal ticket, and JD(U)’s Anant Singh fighting from Mokama despite being currently jailed in connection with the murder of Jan Suraaj supporter Dularchand Yadav.
Massive Voter Turnout Expected
The Bihar election 2025 first phase involves approximately 3.75 crore eligible voters who will determine the fate of 1,314 candidates across 121 constituencies. These voters will cast their ballots at 45,341 polling stations, with 36,733 located in rural areas, reflecting the predominantly agrarian character of the state’s demography.
Among the 3.75 crore voters, 10.72 lakh are classified as ‘new electors,’ representing first-time voters whose preferences could significantly influence election outcomes. This substantial number of new voters adds an element of unpredictability to the Bihar election 2025, as their voting patterns remain largely uncharted territory for political analysts and parties alike.
Eighteen Districts Cast Their Votes
The first phase of Bihar election 2025 covers eighteen districts across the state, including major urban and rural areas. The voting districts comprise Patna, Darbhanga, Madhepura, Saharsa, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Samastipur, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Munger, Sheikhpura, Nalanda, Buxar, and Bhojpur. This geographic spread ensures representation from diverse regions, each with distinct socio-economic characteristics and political preferences.
The inclusion of Patna, Bihar’s capital city, makes this phase particularly significant for gauging urban voter sentiment. Meanwhile, the rural constituencies will provide insights into agrarian concerns and their impact on electoral choices in the Bihar election 2025.
National Democratic Alliance: The Ruling Coalition
The current ruling alliance in Bihar, the National Democratic Alliance, brings together multiple parties under a unified banner. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) leads this coalition alongside the Bharatiya Janata Party, forming the core of the alliance. Other constituent parties include Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustani Awam Morcha, and Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Morcha.
This diverse coalition aims to leverage its incumbency advantage while addressing voter concerns about governance, development, and social welfare. The NDA’s performance in Bihar election 2025 will test whether its governance record resonates with voters across different demographic segments.
Mahagathbandhan: The Opposition Grand Alliance
The opposition Mahagathbandhan, or Grand Alliance, presents a formidable challenge to the ruling NDA. Led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal and Indian National Congress, this coalition also includes the Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation, Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Mukesh Sahani’s Vikassheel Insaan Party.
Tejashwi Yadav serves as the Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial face, positioning himself as the principal challenger to the current administration. The alliance seeks to capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiments while promising alternative governance focused on employment, education, and social justice issues.
Jan Suraaj Party Makes Electoral Debut
The Bihar election 2025 introduces a significant new player: political analyst Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party. Making its political debut, this party has demonstrated ambition by fielding candidates in all 243 assembly seats across the state. This comprehensive approach transforms the traditional two-way contest into a triangular battle, potentially splitting votes and creating unpredictable outcomes.
Kishor’s entry brings additional complexity to Bihar’s political landscape, as his party aims to attract voters disillusioned with both established alliances. The Jan Suraaj Party’s performance will indicate whether there’s appetite for a third alternative in Bihar politics.
High-Stakes Contests Across the State
The Bihar election 2025 Phase 1 represents more than mere constituency battles; it sets the tone for the remaining phases and ultimately determines Bihar’s political direction for the next five years. With 121 constituencies voting today, the results will provide crucial insights into voter preferences and alliance strengths.
The triangular contest adds strategic complexity, as parties must not only defeat their traditional rivals but also counter the Jan Suraaj Party’s appeal. The outcome will shape Bihar’s governance, influence national politics, and determine whether the NDA maintains power or the Mahagathbandhan successfully mounts a comeback. As polling concludes tonight, all eyes will remain on these critical constituencies that could define Bihar’s political future.
