Bihar Election: 67.14% Voter Turnout Till 5pm, EVMs Sealed After Voting Completes
3.7 crore voters will decide the fate of 1,302 candidates across 122 constituencies today
Although Kumar, a member of the legislative council, is not contesting himself, the BJP-led NDA is banking on his “good governance” record to counter anti-incumbency. The second phase, which has eight ministers from his cabinet in the fray, holds high stakes for both the NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc, which hopes to capitalise on discontent and the large Muslim population in several constituencies.
For the Congress, the phase is equally crucial. Of its 19 seats won in 2020, 12 are going to polls today, including those represented by state party chief Rajesh Kumar Ram (Kutumba) and Shakeel Ahmed Khan (Kadwa).
Kishanganj recorded the highest turnout so far at 63.12 per cent, followed by Gaya (61.40) and Jamui (60.85). Madhubani reported the lowest at 52.23 per cent, followed by Nawada (52.89) and Bhagalpur (54.05).
In the first phase on November 6, a record 65.09 per cent turnout was registered across 121 constituencies, which both the NDA and INDIA bloc claimed as favourable to them. Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor, contesting as a new player, attributed the high turnout to voters seeking “an alternative” to the traditional alliances.
Polling began at 7 am amid tight security and will continue till 5 pm across districts such as East and West Champaran, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, and Kishanganj — many of which fall in the sensitive Seemanchal region bordering Nepal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar urged citizens, especially first-time voters, to come out in large numbers and set a new record. “I urge all voters to participate enthusiastically,” Modi said on X. Kumar added that voting is both a “right and responsibility.”
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said people were endorsing the NDA’s “double-engine government” and its ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ vision through their votes.
Live Updates
- 11 Nov 2025 12:13 PM IST
Police force is present at every point: Bihar DGP
Bihar DGP Vinay Kumar said, "Police force is present at every point. All officers are conducting patrols. We hope the elections will conclude peacefully..."
- 11 Nov 2025 11:59 AM IST
Kishanganj district records highest polling percentage so far
According to the ECI, Kishanganj district recorded the highest polling percentage so far at 34.74, followed by Gaya 34.07% and Jamui 33.69%. Madhubani district recorded the lowest turnout of 28.66% till 11 am.
- 11 Nov 2025 11:46 AM IST
Prashant Kishor arrives in Konar to cast vote
Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor arrives in Konar, Sasaram, to cast his vote in the Bihar Assembly Elections.
- 11 Nov 2025 11:39 AM IST
31.38% voter turnout till 11 a.m
According to Election Commission, a voter turnout of 31.38% was recorded till 11 a.m in the second phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections.
- 11 Nov 2025 11:03 AM IST
I appeal to every citizen to definitely vote today: Kharge
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged all the voters to come out and exercise their franchise in initiating a change in Bihar.
"The birthplace of democracy, Bihar has demonstrated in the first phase how the voters of Bihar are enthusiastic for change. Today, in the voting of the second phase as well, there is an appeal to definitely cast your vote and encourage your relatives, companions, and neighbors to also vote.
"Bihar needs a 'model' filled with economic development, social justice, and equality.
"For 20 years, Bihar has endured an opportunistic, corruption-ridden government that is against the poor and deprived; today, the time for change has arrived.
"The time has come to deliver justice to Dalits, Mahadalits, backward classes, extremely backward classes, economically weaker sections, and minority communities. Youth have the opportunity to get jobs, women to get security, farmers to get their rights, and a new chapter of public welfare for all has begun.
"I appeal to every citizen to definitely vote today, and especially to the youth voting for the first time, I make a special request to join this festival of change," he wrote on X.
- 11 Nov 2025 10:46 AM IST
Mahagathbandhan will form Government: Ajeet Sharma
"People have seen the works of last 20 years, nothing was done...The health and education systems are really weak. People are migrating out of the state for jobs. I have urged the people to vote for Mahagathbandhan. People of Bhagalpur elected me as an MLA thrice. I became your true voice in Assembly and worked for development. Despite not being a part of the Government, I worked a lot. This time, Mahagathbandhan will form the Government. People of Bhagalpur have made up their minds..," Congress MLA and candidate from Bhaglpur, Ajeet Sharma told ANI.
- 11 Nov 2025 10:44 AM IST
Gayaji district recorded highest polling percentage
Gayaji district recorded the highest polling percentage so far at 15.97, followed by Kishanganj (15.81) and Jamui (15.77). Bhagalpur district recorded the lowest turnout of 13.43 per cent till 9 am.
- 11 Nov 2025 9:58 AM IST
14.55% voter turnout recorded till 9 am
According to Election Commission, a voter turnout of 14.55% was recorded till 9 a.m in the second phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections.
- 11 Nov 2025 9:24 AM IST
Will win by a margin of 50,000 votes: Krishnanandan Paswan
Bihar Minister and BJP candidate from Harsidhi assembly seat, Krishnanandan Paswan, said that he will win by a margin of 50,000 votes. He exuded confidence that the NDA is set to return to power in Bihar with a "thumping majority."
- 11 Nov 2025 8:06 AM IST
Break record turnout, Prashant Kishor appeals to public
"I appeal to the people of Bihar to break the record turnout of the last phase today. Vote for change in Bihar. Vote for your children's education and employment. Vote in even greater numbers than you did in the first phase so that a new system is created in Bihar on 14th November. A system that provides education and employment for your children. If you make a mistake today, if you miss it today, you will have to spend the next five years with the same system that plagues you, the corruption that troubles you. I am going to vote today," Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor told ANI.
