The first phase of voting for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 has officially started today. Voters in 18 districts across 121 assembly seats are heading to the polling stations to cast their votes. The election process began at 7 AM and will continue until 6 PM under tight security arrangements. A total of 45,341 polling booths have been set up across the state, where over 3.75 crore voters, including 1,314 candidates, will participate. This includes 122 women candidates vying for various seats.

The Election Commission has taken all necessary measures to ensure smooth and peaceful voting. For sensitive polling booths, the authorities are closely monitoring the proceedings through webcasting. In certain areas like Munger, Simri Bakhtiyarpur, Mahishi, Tararapur, and Jamalpur, voting will conclude earlier, by 5 PM. Voters can use 12 different valid identification documents, including voter IDs, Aadhaar cards, and other government-issued IDs, to cast their votes.

Early Voting Trends in Bihar

By 9 AM, 13.13% of the electorate had already cast their votes. Voters are showing enthusiasm as they make their way to polling stations across the state. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was seen casting his vote at Bakhityarpur polling booth. In an effort to encourage more participation, prominent political leaders have also been seen at various polling booths. Tej Pratap Yadav, national president of Jan Shakti Janata Dal, who is contesting from Mahua, urged voters to come out in large numbers and exercise their democratic rights. He emphasized that while parents’ blessings are important, the blessings of the people are even more significant.

Similarly, Pawan Singh, a popular Bhojpuri actor-turned-politician, voted in his hometown of Ara, expressing his support for development. He encouraged people to vote for progress and a better future for the state.

Challenges Faced During Voting

There have been reports of some delays in Saharsa, where technical issues with EVM and VVPAT machines caused disruptions. Voters had to wait in long lines as election officials worked to resolve the issues. Despite this, the overall mood remained positive, with voters patiently waiting to cast their ballots.

In Siwan, Hina Saheb, the wife of former legislator Mohammad Shahabuddin, visited the polling station and stood in the queue to cast her vote. She expressed her belief that every vote has the potential to change the fate of Bihar and emphasized the importance of participating in the election process.

Important Figures and Voting Statistics

A total of 3.75 crore voters are eligible to vote in the first phase, including 1.98 crore men, 1.76 crore women, and 758 third-gender voters. With 45,341 polling booths across the state, the Election Commission has ensured a seamless voting experience by providing voter assistance desks at each center to guide voters.

Security remains a top priority, especially in sensitive areas where additional police forces have been deployed. These areas are being monitored closely via webcasting, ensuring transparency and preventing any potential disruptions.

Key Political Leaders Cast Their Votes

Prominent political figures, including Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, Minister Nitin Naveen, and Central Minister Giriraj Singh, participated in the voting process early in the morning. Tejashwi Yadav, leader of the RJD and the Mahagathbandhan’s candidate for the Chief Minister position, voted in Patna and urged voters to prioritize issues like employment, education, and healthcare. He expressed confidence in the Mahagathbandhan’s victory and predicted that a new government would be formed by November 14.

As voting continues throughout the day, authorities are committed to ensuring free, fair, and peaceful elections. Voters are encouraged to follow the motto, “Vote first, then breakfast,” as a call to prioritize their civic duty above all else.

The election process is set to unfold with more updates as the day progresses. Stay tuned for continuous live updates on the Bihar Assembly elections.