Bihar Votes Tomorrow: High Stakes as Over 3.75 Crore Voters Head to Polls

Patna, November 5 — Bihar is set to vote tomorrow in the first phase of the 2025 Assembly elections, with more than 3.75 crore voters expected to cast their ballots to decide the fate of 1,314 candidates. The Election Commission has completed all preparations for polling across the state, deploying additional security forces in sensitive areas to ensure a peaceful and fair election.

The polling will begin at 7 AM and continue till 5 PM in most constituencies. Voter enthusiasm appears high as political parties concluded their campaigns on Monday evening following the mandatory silence period. The streets of Patna, Gaya, and Muzaffarpur, once buzzing with rallies and roadshows, have now fallen quiet as the state awaits judgment day.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United), is seeking another term on the promise of development, stability, and continuity. Meanwhile, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led Mahagathbandhan, with Tejashwi Prasad Yadav as its face, is campaigning on unemployment, migration, and social justice, promising a new direction for Bihar’s youth.

Adding a fresh dynamic to the contest is Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj, which is trying to position itself as an alternative to traditional power blocs. Though new, the party’s campaign has resonated with young voters and those disenchanted with mainstream politics.

According to the Election Commission of India, strict measures have been put in place to curb the use of money, liquor, and inducements during polling. Officials have seized crores worth of illegal cash and liquor in the past week as part of the state-wide enforcement drive. The Commission has also banned exit polls and campaign material during the 48-hour silence period leading up to the election.

This election is seen as a litmus test for both the NDA and the opposition. With unemployment, inflation, and governance being central issues, the outcome will carry national implications ahead of the 2026 Lok Sabha elections.

Bihar’s voters — long accustomed to promises of progress — are expected to turn out in large numbers, with special emphasis on youth and women participation. Analysts say a higher turnout could indicate anti-incumbency sentiment, while a moderate turnout may favor the ruling alliance.

Security personnel have been deployed at all polling booths, with real-time monitoring through CCTV cameras and drones. Officials have assured that every voter will have safe access to the polling centers under tight supervision.

As the countdown begins, Bihar stands on the threshold of another political crossroad — a moment that could either reinforce continuity or redefine change. The results of the first phase will be closely watched across India as a barometer of public sentiment.

The counting of votes will take place on November 14, 2025.