Bihar records highest-ever 68.52 per cent voter turnout in 2nd phase

An approximate 68.52 per cent voter turnout has been recorded in the second phase of the Bihar Election 2025, as per the Election Commission of India. This is the highest voter turnout ever recorded in Bihar's history.

RJD Bihar state president Mangani Lal Mandal has alleged rigging in the second phase of Bihar election. He said the incumbent JD(U)-BJP government influenced elections. He alleged that if 65 per cent of the votes in the first phase were in favour of the government, then why is there rigging in the second phase?

Union MoS Home Affairs Nityanand Rai reflected on record voting in the second phase of Bihar elections. Rai said record voting in the Bihar Assembly Election indicates that people have voted for the NDA, PM Narendra Modi and CM Nitish Kumar. The NDA government will be formed with more than 2/3rd majority, he added.

The Bihar election results will be known on November 14, when the votes will be counted.

As polling ended in the Bihar election's second phase, EVMs and ballot boxes are being sealed by polling officials across the state.

RJD MP Misa Bharti says, "This time there will be a change because women are concerned, they are worried about their children's future. For the last 20 years, there have been no employment opportunities here, and no factories have been set up. Therefore, women are voting in large numbers. Whenever the voter turnout is high, there is a change..."

Exit polls at 6.30 pm

With voting coming to an end in the final phase of the Bihar election, all eyes are now on exit polls which will be released by various TV news channels and other agencies starting 6.30 pm, when the EC embargo on publication of exit polls ends.

The Statesman's readers can track Live Bihar Exit Polls here.

Polling has officially ended at 6 pm in the second and final phase of the Bihar Assembly Election 2025. Now, only those voters who are in the queue at the polling booths will be allowed to cast their votes.

As of 5 pm, 67.14 per cent voter turnout has been recorded in the second phase of the Bihar Assembly Election. This is the highest ever voter turnout recorded in Bihar's history.

Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary has said that while unprecedented voting is happening in the Bihar election phase 2, the NDA is on course to come back with a full majority.

Congress leader and former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot has expressed hopes for the opposition Mahagathbandhan to win the Bihar election. "Bihar is witnessing historic polling in this election. They (NDA) distributed Rs 10,000 to every woman. We expect the women will vote fairly. We had never heard that money is distributed during the model code of conduct phase. We expect the Mahagathbandhan to win."

Bihar BJP co-in-charge and MP Deepak Prakash told reporters: "I want to congratulate the voters of Bihar, especially sisters, mothers, and the youth... Voters of Bihar are vigilant. Their faith in the work done by PM Modi and their trust in Nitish Kumar has made people vote for the NDA... Tejashwi Yadav himself has lost his seat and the Congress has been completely swept off. NDA is going to form the government."

According to the Election Commission of India data, voter turnout in the second phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 has been recorded at approximately 60.40 per cent till 3 pm. With three more hours to go, the turnout is expected to be even higher than the first phase's 64.66 per cent.

BJP candidate from Jhanjharpur Assembly constituency Nitish Mishra explains the voting pattern as Biharis continue to vote in large numbers. He says the turnout is likely to rise in the final few hours.

"If you look at the trend, voting is usually a bit slow in the afternoon, but after 3 PM until the end, the turnout increases again. This means the voting percentage rises in the later hours"

According to the Election Commission of India data, voter turnout in the second phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 has been recorded at approximately 60.40 per cent till 3 pm. With three more hours to go, the turnout is expected to be even higher than the first phase's 64.66 per cent.

Voters in Rohtas showed great enthusiasm during the second phase of polling. To encourage more participation, those who voted were honoured with a certificate and a plant as a gesture of appreciation.

After casting his vote in Kutumba during the ongoing Bihar Assembly elections, Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram expressed confidence in a major political shift taking place across the state.

He said that both the INDIA Alliance and the voters were showing a new kind of energy and determination this time. “The body language of our alliance has changed, and so has that of the voters. This clearly indicates that people are ready to say goodbye to the government that has been in power for the last 20 years,” he remarked. Rajesh Ram added that the public sentiment now leans strongly toward change, and he is confident that a new government led by the INDIA Alliance will soon come to power in Bihar.

Speaking about reports of suspicious activities in his constituency, the Congress leader said, “A black Scorpio has been moving around in our area. We are trying to find out who it belongs to. The administration has been informed. We’ve noticed several such unwanted vehicles moving around in different assembly constituencies, and our party workers and volunteers have been alerted to stay cautious.”

Assembly by-elections | Approximate voter turnout recorded till 11 am: Nagrota (J&K) - 34.47% Budgam (J&K) - 21.74% Ghatsila (Jharkhand) - 34.32% Dampa (Mizoram) - 34.38% Nuapada (Odisha) - 32.51% Tarn Taran (Punjab) - 23.35% Anta (Rajasthan) - 28.74% Jubilee Hills (Telangana) - 20.76%

During the second phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, Jan Suraaj Party candidate and Bhojpuri singer Ritesh Pandey urged voters to think about the future of their children, education, and employment. “Vote for Jan Suraj by marking the school bag symbol. While voting was slow in some areas, the issue has now been resolved,” he said.

Ritesh Pandey, also known as the Bhojpuriya rockstar, hails from Sasaram in Rohtas district. A rising star in the Bhojpuri entertainment industry, he is known for singing, acting, and modeling. He made his debut in 2014 with the song ‘Munda Like Me’ and gained international fame with his hit track ‘Hello Kaun’.

During the second phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, Jan Suraaj Party candidate and Bhojpuri singer Ritesh Pandey urged voters to think about the future of their children, education, and employment. “Vote for Jan Suraj by marking the school bag symbol. While voting was slow in some areas, the issue has now been resolved,” he said.

Ritesh Pandey, also known as the Bhojpuriya rockstar, hails from Sasaram in Rohtas district. A rising star in the Bhojpuri entertainment industry, he is known for singing, acting, and modeling. He made his debut in 2014 with the song ‘Munda Like Me’ and gained international fame with his hit track ‘Hello Kaun’.

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal on Tuesday highlighted the “palpable sentiment” against the NDA government in Bihar, saying people are “yearning for change” in the state. As phase two polling continues, he urged voters to turn out in large numbers.

“The poor, marginalised, and youth of Bihar deserve their aspirations to be fulfilled and lives to be transformed. We urge all voters to come out in large numbers and vote for a pro-people, inclusive government,” Venugopal wrote on X.

He also expressed confidence that the people of Bihar would continue to show the same support and enthusiasm for the Mahagathbandhan in the second phase as they did in the first.

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor arrived in Konar, Sasaram, to cast his vote in the Bihar elections. Ritesh Pandey, the Jan Suraaj candidate from Kargahar, was also present. This is Kishor’s home turf, and many had expected him to contest himself, but Ritesh stepped in as the candidate instead.

Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi urged voters in the second phase of the Bihar elections to support the NDA, saying, “Just as people voted on November 6, I appeal to them to turn out in even higher numbers this time. The double-engine government is in power here. Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Purvodaya’ includes Bihar, and the state has received four times the funds originally allocated. There is no better government than this.”

LJP (Ram Vilas) MP Rajesh Verma said the rising voter turnout shows Bihar’s growing awareness. “People are using their votes wisely, laying the foundation for a stronger, developed Bihar. Thanks to everyone, the second phase of polling is peaceful,” he added.

RJD MP Manoj Jha said that the momentum for change seen in the first phase of the Bihar elections is now turning into a bigger wave. “Despite efforts by the Prime Minister, Home Minister, UP CM, and other leaders to shift the focus away from issues like jobs, migration, and social security, Bihar has stayed on its course. This momentum will grow further on November 14, and the results on November 18 will follow,” he said.

JDU MP Sanjay Jha, speaking on the second phase of polling, said, “Today marks the final phase of voting. It’s encouraging to see the huge enthusiasm among voters. People are coming out in large numbers for good governance, peace, and development in Bihar. This is a very positive sign. In the first phase, we believe we secured a strong lead with a large number of votes in our favor.”

RJD candidate Kumar Sarvjeet, contesting from Bodh Gaya, called voting a grand festival, saying, “There is no greater festival in this country. It’s a festival that can change a person’s life. I urge everyone to step out of their homes and reach the ‘temples’ of this festival to cast their votes.”

As voters head to the polls for the second phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called for a new “model” of governance focused on economic growth, social justice, and equality.

Kharge slammed the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government, calling it “opportunistic, corruption-ridden, and against the poor and deprived.” He wrote on X, “For 20 years, Bihar has endured a government that failed its people. Today, the time for change has arrived.”

Urging citizens to actively participate in voting, he added, “The birthplace of democracy, Bihar, showed its enthusiasm for change in the first phase. I appeal to every voter, especially the youth casting their vote for the first time, to join this festival of change and encourage friends, relatives, and neighbours to vote.”

Highlighting justice for marginalised groups, Kharge said, “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 claim their rights, and a new chapter of public welfare for all has begun.”

Congress MLA and Bhagalpur candidate Ajeet Sharma criticized two decades of inaction, saying, “Health and education are in a poor state, and many people are leaving Bihar for jobs. I’ve worked hard as your voice in the Assembly, even without being part of the government. Bhagalpur has elected me three times, and this time, the Mahagathbandhan will form the government. The people have made up their minds.”

Congress candidate for Jubilee Hills, Telangana Assembly by-elections, Naveen Yadav said, "Elections are going on very well. People are very eager to vote...Within one hour, there was really good polling. There is great interest among the public regarding voting. All I would like to tell the public is - vote for your future, vote for development. Utilise your vote. Don't take it as a holiday, come out of your house and vote for the future."

Congress candidate for Jubilee Hills, Telangana Assembly by-elections, Naveen Yadav said, "Elections are going on very well. People are very eager to vote...Within one hour, there was really good polling. There is great interest among the public regarding voting. All I would like to tell the public is - vote for your future, vote for development. Utilise your vote. Don't take it as a holiday, come out of your house and vote for the future."

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor said, "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."

On police in Bihar alert in the wake of the Delhi blast, he says, "Such things happen occasionally during elections. There's no need for the people of Bihar to be disturbed by this. It's an election in Bihar. Voting should be based on Bihar's issues. For security, the people of Bihar and the country have elected people to Parliament. We all stand with the government and Parliament. The government will take whatever action is necessary."

A total of 14.55% approximate voter turnout was recorded in the second and final phase of the Bihar Elections 2025, till 9 am.

In the second phase of the Bihar Election 2025, Union Minister CM Jitan Ram Manjhi said, "I appeal to the people from the bottom of my heart that, just as they voted on 6/11, they should cast a higher percentage of votes this time in favour of NDA. Because the double-engine government is in power here... Narendra Modi has envisioned 'Purvodaya', which also encompasses Bihar. Whatever allocation was meant to be given here, we have received four times that amount... There is no better government than this...."

RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari said, “People across Bihar including mothers, sisters, youth, farmers, laborers, and the underprivileged are participating in the elections with great enthusiasm. We urge everyone to use their votes to reject the inefficient and corrupt Nitish government and support Tejashwi Yadav’s Mahagathbandhan to rebuild Bihar and secure a better future for our youth.”

Renu Hussain, wife of BJP national spokesperson Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, cast her vote in Supaul and expressed her excitement, saying, “This is my first time voting here after getting married, and I am thrilled to see the people of Bihar voting for development. Supaul has changed tremendously over the past 30 years since I first came here, and I feel proud to be voting here today.”

Former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP candidate from Katihar, Tarkishore Prasad Bhagat, cast his vote today in the second and final phase of the Bihar Assembly elections.

Bhagat is a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He served as Bihar’s 5th Deputy Chief Minister from November 16, 2020, to August 9, 2022, handling the portfolios of Finance & Commercial Taxes, as well as Urban Development and Housing. He has been elected as the BJP leader in the Bihar Assembly and currently represents the Katihar constituency, having won the seat in the 2020 Bihar Legislative Assembly election.

Rajesh Ranjan, also known as Pappu Yadav, an independent MP from Purnea, cast his vote today at a polling booth in the district. Yadav, a well-known politician from Bihar, currently represents the Purnea constituency in Parliament.

BJP leader Sanjeev Chaurasiya highlighted the achievements of the Double Engine government under Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “The government has done significant work for women, from implementing 35% to 100% reservation and launching programs like Jeevika Didi, along with various other schemes. These initiatives have empowered women, giving them a stronger voice and greater independence.”

Speaking on the second phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, Minister Shrawon Kumar said, “People are voting for Nitish Kumar to ensure peace, harmony, love, brotherhood, good governance, and development. Citizens of Bihar are fully exercising their power to strengthen the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.”

After casting his vote, Bihar Minister and BJP candidate from Harsidhi, Krishnanandan Paswan, said he first offered prayers before voting. He added, “The voting machine may sometimes face technical issues, but there was no significant delay today. The people of Harsidhi have given me their blessings, and I am confident of winning by a margin of 50,000 votes. The NDA will form the government in Bihar again with a strong majority.”

During the second phase of the 2025 Assembly elections, security forces were seen patrolling the river to ensure safety and maintain order.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday urged voters to take part in the second phase of the state assembly elections and exercise their democratic right. In a post on X, he reminded people to prioritise voting over daily chores, saying, “In a democracy, voting is not just a right but a duty. Today, voting for the second phase of the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections is underway. All voters are urged to cast their votes without fail. Vote and encourage others to do the same. Vote first, then refreshments!”

Voting for the second phase of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections began at 7 am across 122 constituencies in 20 districts, covering around 3.7 crore voters and 243 seats.

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor urged the people of Bihar to come out in large numbers for the second phase of voting. He said, “I appeal to the people to surpass the record turnout of the first phase. Vote for change in Bihar, for your children’s education and employment. A new system can be created on November 14 that ensures opportunities for your children. If voters miss this chance, they will have to endure the same system, with its corruption and problems, for the next five years. I will be voting today myself.”

Speaking about the heightened police alert in Bihar after the Delhi blast, Kishor said such incidents are common during elections and there is no need for people to panic. “Voting should focus on Bihar’s issues. Security is in place, and the government will take all necessary action,” he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “Today is the second and final phase of the Bihar Assembly elections. I urge all voters to participate actively and help set a new record for voter turnout. I especially appeal to young first-time voters to cast their votes and encourage others to do the same.”

Former Deputy Chief Minister and Katihar candidate Tarkishore Prasad said, “The people of Katihar have trusted me and allowed me to serve them since November 2005. Under the double-engine government, we’ve carried out continuous development work for both the state and the country. Katihar itself has seen visible transformation, and that progress has influenced voters. With the blessings of the people, I’m confident of winning again and continuing to serve them.”

RJD leader Shakti Singh Yadav, speaking about the second phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, said, “In the first phase on November 16, people voted for change in 121 constituencies. Around 80% of those seats reflect strong public support for Mahagathbandhan candidates. As voting continues today, there’s clear discomfort among those in power who have pushed Bihar into administrative disorder. But the excitement among voters, the long queues, and the smiles on women’s faces say it all. The people of Bihar want to see Tejashwi Yadav taking the oath as Chief Minister on November 18.”

Speaking about the second phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, JD(U) National Spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan said, “Voters are patiently standing in queues, waiting for their turn to vote. The public mood clearly indicates that the mandate is once again leaning towards Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to lead the next government.”

Voters turned up early in Madhubani and were seen standing in long queues outside polling booths to cast their votes. Many expressed enthusiasm about participating in the democratic process.

Jan Suraaj spokesperson Vivek Kumar said, “This time, the people of Bihar have a real alternative. In the first phase, they turned out in large numbers to vote, showing their faith in democracy. This election feels like a festival of democracy, and I believe voter turnout will be even higher in the second phase.”

JDU leader Umesh Singh Kushwaha said, “I appeal to voters in all 122 constituencies to come out in large numbers and vote for justice and development. Support the double-engine government of Bihar and help secure a better future for your children.”

Bihar Minister Shravan Kumar said, “I urge voters to think about how things were before 2005 and how much has changed since then. People should vote for the NDA to ensure a better future for their children.”

Jyoti Singh, Bhojpuri singer-actor Pawan Singh’s wife and an independent candidate from the Karakat Assembly seat, said, “I want to apologise to the people because I couldn’t visit many places during the campaign. I ask for their support and a chance to serve them. I can already feel their strong support, and I believe they have decided to make me win.”

Earlier, Pawan Singh and Jyoti had a public fallout before the elections, during which she accused him of harassment.

CISF Assistant Commandant Rushikesh Wakhare said, “After yesterday’s incident in Delhi, security has been put on high alert. Ahead of the elections, we’ve been instructed that all officers must be present on the ground, visit every location and polling booth, and carry out anti-sabotage checks. Elections hold great importance in a democracy.”