The battle for Bihar heats up as Phase 2 of the 2025 Assembly Elections witnesses a spirited voter turnout, signalling an intense political contest between the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Bihar elections strategy under sharp focus.
On November 11, 2025, as the second phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 unfolded, the state recorded a 31.38% voter turnout by 11 a.m., according to the Election Commission of India. Voting began early at 7:00 a.m. across 122 constituencies, with over 3.7 crore voters eligible to decide the fate of 1,302 candidates in this crucial electoral phase. The energy in the air is palpable, with polling booths witnessing long queues and enthusiastic participation from both urban and rural voters.
High Stakes and Key Battlegrounds
Phase 2 covers politically sensitive regions such as Patna, Nalanda, Samastipur, Begusarai, Vaishali, and Darbhanga, areas that have historically shaped the power equations of Bihar. The JD(U)-BJP-led NDA is determined to maintain its stronghold, while the RJD-Congress-Left Mahagathbandhan seeks to regain lost ground and tap into anti-incumbency sentiments.
Among the key battlegrounds, Hilsa (Nalanda) is seeing a close contest between RJD’s Sunita Yadav and JD(U)’s Shashi Bhushan, while Hajipur and Bakhtiyarpur remain prestige seats for the NDA. In Begusarai, a triangular fight between the BJP, RJD, and CPI(ML) has intensified voter polarization, making it one of the most-watched constituencies this election.
Turnout and Voter Enthusiasm
The 31.38% turnout by 11 a.m. is higher than the 27.65% recorded during Phase 1, reflecting improved voter awareness and mobilization. Election observers attribute this rise to active campaigning, improved polling infrastructure, and favorable weather. Notably, women votersmobilisation once again turned out in impressive numbers, continuing a pattern seen in previous Bihar elections where female turnout surpassed male participation. The Election Commission also reported higher participation from youth and first-time voters, many of whom cited aspirations for jobs, education, and development as their key concerns.
Security Measures and Smooth Conduct:
With over 70,000 security personnel deployed across polling stations, authorities left no stone unturned in ensuring a peaceful voting process. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) were stationed at all sensitive booths, and webcasting was conducted from more than 50% of polling centres. Drones and AI-powered surveillance systems were used in high-risk zones to detect crowd disturbances or potential electoral malpractice.
Voices from the Ground: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Bihar elections
From Patna to Purnea, voters expressed a mix of hope and scepticism. A local teacher in Nalanda said, “We want better schools and more job opportunities for our children. Whoever wins must deliver.” Meanwhile, a young voter in Samastipur added, “Price rise and unemployment are my biggest concerns. This election feels personal.” Their words reflect the underlying pulse of Bihar’s electorate—yearning for governance that goes beyond caste arithmetic.
Major Contenders and Campaign Strategies
The NDA, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary, is focusing on stability, infrastructure, and women’s empowerment. Their campaign slogan, “Vikas aur Vishwas” (Development and Trust) aims to consolidate their urban and rural voter base. On the other hand, Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD is aggressively targeting youth and unemployed segments with promises of new jobs and better governance. His rallies in Gaya, Arrah, and Patna have drawn massive crowds, with the RJD pitching this election as a “referendum on unemployment and inflation.”
Political observers suggest that this election is a test of Nitish Kumar’s long-standing influence and Tejashwi Yadav’s emergence as a mass leader. Dr. Anjali Singh, a Patna-based political scientist, notes, “The voter turnout reflects a rejuvenated political consciousness among Biharis. The battle is less about alliances now and more about credibility.”Dr
Online platforms are abuzz with election-related discussions. Hashtags such as #BiharVotes, #Phase2Voting, and #MahagathbandhanVsNDA have been trending since morning. Memes, political commentaries, and live polling updates dominate the digital space, showcasing how online engagement now mirrors ground-level enthusiasm.
Minor glitches in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were reported from parts of Vaishali and Darbhanga, but polling resumed swiftly. The Election Commission assured voters that all issues were resolved within minutes. Long queues were seen even in flood-affected areas where special arrangements were made to ensure accessibility.
Conclusion: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Bihar elections
The second phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 has set a decisive tone for what could be one of the most fiercely contested polls in recent years. The robust turnout underscores Bihar’s evolving democratic spirit, where voters are asserting their expectations from political leadership.
With several key constituencies witnessing close contests, the outcome of this phase could significantly influence the final verdict. As Bihar moves towards the next rounds of voting, one thing is clear—the voice of the people is louder, stronger, and more determined than ever before
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Author: Team BTP
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