NDA Secures Significant Lead in Bihar’s Record-Breaking First Phase

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed strong confidence in the NDA’s electoral prospects following the first phase of Bihar’s Assembly elections on Thursday. With a record voter turnout of 64.66% across 121 constituencies, Modi stated that the “tremendous enthusiasm of the people” signals an “unprecedented majority” for the ruling alliance. The milestone turnout saw 3.75 crore eligible voters deciding the fate of 1,314 candidates across 18 districts, marking a significant achievement in the state’s electoral history.

Voting Process and Record Participation

The polling phase operated smoothly across 45,341 polling stations, including 926 managed entirely by women and 107 by persons with disabilities. Voting commenced at 7 a.m. and concluded at 6 p.m., with earlier closure at 5 p.m. in sensitive areas. Begusarai district recorded the highest turnout at 67.32%, while Sheikhpura registered the lowest at 52.36%, reflecting varying levels of voter engagement across regions.

Three-Way Contest Shapes Electoral Dynamics

The elections unfolded as a triangular battle between the NDA—led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JDU and BJP—the opposition Mahagathbandhan, and newcomer Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party contesting all 243 seats. Notable contests included RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav seeking a hat-trick in Raghopur, while sporadic violence marred proceedings, with Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha alleging attacks on his convoy. The second phase voting is scheduled for November 11, with vote counting on November 14.