NEW DELHI: Phase 2 of Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, which concluded on Tuesday, recorded the highest-ever voter turnout of 68.52%. The lone Muslim majority district Kishanganj recorded highest voter turnout at 76.26%.The turnout across 122 constituencies, encompassing 3.7 crore voters, surpassed the “record” 65.09% registered in the first phase on November 6 and was expected to rise further, with officials noting long queues at several polling stations.Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar reacted to the record turnout applauding the voters for “making history in independent India”. “Today, voters have also made history in independent India today. They cast the highest percentage of votes in all elections held since 1951, at approximately 66.9%. Women have expressed their complete faith in the Election Commission, resulting in the highest voter turnout ever, at 71%. These transparent and peaceful elections in Bihar have shown the whole of India a lesson. The Election Commission has always stood with its voters, stands with them, and will continue to do so,” he said.
Lone Muslim-majority district records highest turnout
Kishanganj, the only Muslim-majority district in Bihar, reported the highest voter turnout at 76.26%, followed by neighbouring Katihar at 75.23%, Purnea at 73.79%, Supaul at 70.69%, and Araria at 67.79%.Most of these districts lie along the Nepal border, largely concentrated in Bihar’s north-eastern Kosi–Seemanchal region, which is flood-prone and has a significant minority population. High voter participation was also seen in southern Bihar districts such as Jamui (67.81%), Gaya (67.50%), and Kaimur (67.22%). Nawada registered the lowest turnout at 57.31%, remaining the only district below the 60% mark till 5pm.
What Exit Polls predicted?
Exit polls released forecast a clear victory for the NDA. Pollsters predicted a poor showing for the opposition Mahagathbandhan, suggesting that the alliance would struggle to challenge the ruling alliance’s dominance. They also played down Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj party, projecting it to secure only a handful of seats. According to the combined “poll of polls,” the NDA is poised to return to power comfortably with around 148 seats, while the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, with around 88 seats, is expected to lag significantly behind, with other smaller parties winning only a few seats.
Why Phase 2 numbers are significant?
The second phase is particularly significant for several reasons. It represents a crucial test for the ruling NDA, as eight ministers from chief minister Nitish Kumar’s cabinet are contesting, making the outcome pivotal for the alliance’s stability and credibility. At the same time, the opposition INDIA bloc sees this phase as an opportunity to capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiments and the high concentration of Muslim voters in several constituencies, factors that could tilt the balance in its favor. This phase also carries major implications for the Congress, which, despite its diminished influence, remains the second-largest partner in the INDIA bloc. Of the 19 seats it won in 2020, 12 are voted in this round, including those held by prominent leaders such as state chief Rajesh Kumar Ram and Shakeel Ahmed Khan, making the outcome critical to the party’s political relevance in the state.Adding another layer of intrigue is Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party, seen as a potential disruptor in the traditional NDA–INDIA rivalry. Kishor has argued that the surge in voter turnout reflects growing public appetite for an “alternative” political force. With polling underway in 122 constituencies amid tight security, the second phase will not only determine the fate of key ministers but could also signal broader shifts in Bihar’s political landscape. Go to Source
