Bihar Assembly Elections: Final Phase Voting Underway, 14.5% Turnout Recorded by 9 AM

Voting is underway for the final phase of Bihar Assembly elections, covering 122 seats across 20 districts, with a 14.5% voter turnout recorded till 9 AM. Polling began at 7 AM and will continue until 5 PM. Over 37 million voters, including 17.4 million women, are eligible to cast their votes across 45,399 polling stations.

Simultaneously, by-elections are being held in eight Assembly constituencies across six states and one Union Territory — Budgam and Nagrota (Jammu and Kashmir), Anta (Rajasthan), Ghatsila (Jharkhand), Jubilee Hills (Telangana), Tarn Taran (Punjab), Dampa (Mizoram), and Nuapada (Odisha).

PM Modi Urges Youth to Vote in Record Numbers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to voters to participate enthusiastically in the final phase, especially encouraging first-time voters to exercise their franchise and inspire others.

“I especially urge my young friends from the state, who are voting for the first time, to not only cast their votes but also inspire others to do so,” the Prime Minister said.

Bihar recorded a historic voter turnout of over 65% in the first phase of polling on November 6, which covered 121 constituencies across 18 districts — the highest ever in the state’s electoral history. Vote counting is scheduled for November 14.

Key Candidates and Constituencies to Watch

Prominent candidates in this phase include:

• Tarkishore Prasad (former Deputy CM, Katihar)

• Uday Narain Choudhary (former Speaker, Sikandra)

• Ex-ministers Vinay Bihari (Lauriya), Narayan Prasad (Nautan), Shamim Ahmed (Narkatia), Rana Randhir Singh (Madhuban), Pramod Kumar (Motihari), and Sunil Kumar Pintu (Sitamarhi)

• Renu Devi, senior BJP leader and former Deputy CM

Constituencies like Kahalgaon, Narpatganj, Forbesganj, Mokama, and Valmiki Nagar are expected to see closely contested battles.

Exit Polls Expected This Evening

Once polling concludes at 5 PM, exit poll predictions for the next Bihar government will be released around 6:30 PM, in line with Election Commission of India guidelines that restrict exit poll publication until after voting ends.

High-Stakes Contest

The final phase will determine whether Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U)-BJP-led NDA retains power or if Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD-led INDIA bloc manages to unseat the nine-time chief minister.

With record participation in the first phase and a closely fought final round, Bihar’s verdict is expected to set the tone for the national political landscape ahead.