The eastern Indian state of Bihar recorded a historic voter turnout in the first phase of its assembly elections, marking a pivotal moment for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as it navigates a critical political test in one of India’s most populous regions. With counting scheduled for November 14, this election could reshape the state’s governance and influence national dynamics ahead of future polls.
Voting for 243 seats unfolded in a two-phase process, beginning on November 6 and concluding on November 11, overseen by the Election Commission of India. An impressive 64.66% of eligible voters cast ballots in the initial phase, the highest turnout Bihar has ever witnessed, signaling robust public engagement. Long queues formed outside polling stations across 18 districts, with over 400,000 staff managing 45,341 stations to accommodate the state’s 74 million voters. Special arrangements, including electric three-wheelers for the elderly and disabled, highlighted efforts to ensure inclusivity, while selfie points and festive decorations added a communal atmosphere to the democratic exercise.
The election pits the incumbent alliance of the BJP and Janata Dal (United) against a opposition coalition led by the Congress party and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Prime Minister Modi’s BJP, which has struggled to secure a solo government in Bihar, relies heavily on its partnership with JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar, a veteran chief minister who has dominated state politics for decades. Meanwhile, the opposition alliance, spearheaded by RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav, aims to capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiments and promises of welfare reforms, setting the stage for a tightly contested battle.
Controversy shadowed the pre-election period, with the Election Commission’s revision of voter lists drawing sharp criticism from opposition groups. The commission removed 4.7 million names from the rolls, alleging duplicates and inaccuracies, but opponents accused it of disproportionately excluding Muslim voters to benefit the BJP. Both the commission and the ruling party denied any bias, though the issue fueled tensions and underscored the high stakes of the electoral process, which analysts say could test the integrity of India’s democratic institutions.
Key political figures, including Nitish Kumar and RJD patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav, are central to the contest, with their health and legacy adding emotional weight. Kumar, a BJP ally, played a crucial role in forming the federal government after the 2024 general elections, while Yadav, out on bail in corruption cases, remains a symbol of caste-based politics. The entry of Prashant Kishor, a former strategist for both major parties, with his new political outfit, introduces a wildcard that could disrupt traditional vote banks and appeal to younger, issue-focused electorates.
Women voters emerged as a decisive demographic, with nearly half of the electorate female and their participation steadily rising. Political parties targeted this group with promises of financial assistance and welfare schemes, recognizing their potential to sway outcomes. In villages like Masaurhi, local campaigners emphasized mobilizing women, noting that higher female turnout often correlates with increased electoral accountability and community-driven issues, from healthcare to employment opportunities.
The outcome of this election holds implications beyond Bihar, serving as a bellwether for Modi’s popularity and the BJP’s strategy ahead of other state contests. A strong performance could bolster the party’s narrative of invincibility, while a setback might energize opposition forces nationally. Additionally, the record turnout reflects growing voter awareness and could inspire similar engagement in upcoming elections, potentially altering India’s political landscape by emphasizing grassroots mobilization over top-down campaigns.
As the second phase of voting approaches, all eyes are on Bihar to see how these dynamics unfold. The results on November 14 will not only determine the state’s next government but also signal broader trends in Indian democracy, from the role of regional alliances to the impact of demographic shifts. Whatever the outcome, this election has already underscored the vitality of civic participation in shaping the nation’s future.