Bihar Election 2025 Live Updates: 60.25% Voter Turnout Recorded in Phase 1, Vijay Sinha Convoy Attack Grabs Headlines

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60.25% approximate voter turnout recorded in the first phase of Bihar Elections 2025, as per ECI.

Amidst the ongoing Bihar Assembly elections, neighbouring Uttar Pradesh has deployed over 600 police personnel and 40 companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) along the border to maintain law and order and ensure smooth polling.

An official statement confirmed that 602 police personnel, including 188 Sub-Inspectors, 187 Head Constables, and 227 Constables, have been stationed in the border districts. They are supported by 40 PAC companies along with all necessary resources and equipment.

Additionally, 94 check posts and barriers, including 45 equipped with CCTV, have been set up along the UP-Bihar border to ensure strict surveillance.

The Bihar border touches seven districts of Uttar Pradesh — Deoria, Kushinagar, Maharajganj, Ghazipur, Chandauli, Ballia, and Sonbhadra — spanning around 524 km and covering 40 police stations.

At least 60.13% voter turnout was recorded till 5pm in the first phase of the Bihar assembly elections.

In Manjhi assembly constituency of Saran district, the convoy of Satyendra Yadav, the sitting CPI(ML) Liberation MLA, came under attack by unidentified individuals. According to a Saran police statement, all occupants of the vehicle, including the MLA, escaped unharmed, and authorities have launched a search for the antisocial elements responsible for the incident.

Bihar Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha accused RJD MLC Ajay and Congress leader Sujeet of threatening villagers in collusion with local administration. He claimed villagers showed him evidence of being beaten and harassed, and said both leaders were reportedly drunk while intimidating him as well. Sinha condemned the administration’s inaction and stated that the matter will be raised with the Election Commission.

Exuding confidence that he will win the Mahua seat where polling was underway on Thursday, Janshakti Janata Dal (JJD) founder Tej Pratap Yadav said his party would emerge as a "serious political force" after the Bihar elections.

Yadav's party is fighting elections on 44 seats.

"I am confident the people of Mahua will bless me again. Why won't they? I have worked for them, and they know it," he said.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday alleged that the NDA was "preparing to steal" the assembly polls in Bihar, "just like they did in Haryana".

Addressing back-to-back public rallies in Sitamarhi and East Champaran districts, the Congress general secretary alleged that the Election Commission (EC) was "colluding with the government to weaken our Constitution and democratic rights".

"Just like they stole the entire election in Haryana, they are preparing to do the same in Bihar by deleting 65 lakh votes from the rolls," she said.

RJD MLC Ajay Kumar Singh dismissed Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha’s claim of being attacked in Lakhisarai, alleging it was a staged drama. He said, “His people stopped our car and created chaos. He is distraught because he has lost the election. Vijay Sinha’s chapter is closed.” Singh maintained that no attack actually took place.

In the first phase of the Bihar assembly election, voter turnout was recorded at 53.77% till 3.00 pm.

Responding to Bihar Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha’s claim of being attacked by RJD supporters, party spokesperson Shakti Yadav called the allegations false and politically motivated. He said Sinha enjoys Z+ security and that the NDA controls the administration. Yadav added that locals were only raising concerns over a broken drain, denying any violent confrontation.

RJD candidate and Bhojpuri star Khesari Lal Yadav expressed happiness over the high voter turnout in Chapra, saying people are voting for their children’s future, education, and employment. Speaking about his Mumbai home, he said it was built through hard work and faith, adding, “If this is what God wills, it will be rebuilt — it’s a palace of dreams.”

After casting his vote in Patna, popular educator Khan Sir appealed to citizens, especially the youth, to vote responsibly. He urged voters to consider education, healthcare, employment, development, and security while choosing candidates. Calling voting a “powerful right,” he emphasized that every vote plays a crucial role in shaping the nation’s future.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Thursday directed the Bihar DGP to take "immediate action" after state Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha alleged an attack on his convoy by RJD supporters.

"No one will be allowed to take law into their own hands. Strict action will be taken against the miscreants," an official said quoting Kumar.

Sinha alleged that his convoy was attacked by RJD supporters in his assembly constituency of Lakhisarai.

The CEC has directed the DGP to take immediate action, the official said.

The poll authority has requested all voters to cast their votes in their respective booths without any fear.

After being surrounded and attacked with stones by alleged RJD supporters in Lakhisarai’s Khoriari village, Bihar Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha met SP Ajay Kumar and DM Mithilesh Mishra, vowing to not let “Jungle Raj” return to the state. Sinha asserted that Bihar’s law and order will remain intact under the NDA’s leadership.

Bihar Deputy CM and BJP candidate Vijay Kumar Sinha alleged that RJD supporters attacked his convoy in Lakhisarai, hurling stones and cow dung. In a call to the SP, he demanded immediate deployment of Special Forces, calling the officer “weak and coward.” Sinha claimed his polling agent was threatened and voters were being stopped from voting.

Block Development Officer (BDO) Arpit Anand from Halsi confirmed that the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and other senior officials are on their way to the site of the incident. He assured that necessary action will be taken following their arrival, as authorities move to address tensions in the area.

Bihar CM Vijay Kumar Sinha's convoy was attacked in Lakhisarai on polling day as RJD supporters allegedly pelted stones and hurled slippers at his car, chanting 'Murdabad'. Police intervened to control the mob. BJP blamed the RJD for the violence.

Deputy CM and BJP candidate Vijay Kumar Sinha accused RJD supporters of obstructing him from visiting villages in Lakhisarai. Calling them “RJD goons,” Sinha alleged they turned away his polling agent and prevented voting at booths 404 and 405 in Khoriari village. He claimed the NDA’s impending victory had rattled the opposition, leading to “hooliganism” at polling sites.

High tension prevailed in Lakhisarai after RJD supporters surrounded the car of Deputy CM and BJP candidate Vijay Kumar Sinha, shouting “Murdabad” slogans and hurling slippers to stop his vehicle.

Bihar recorded a spirited voter turnout of 42.31% by 1 pm in the first phase of the Assembly elections, according to data from the Election Commission of India. Gopalganj led the tally with 46.73%, followed closely by Lakhisarai (46.37%) and Begusarai (46.02%). The capital city, Patna, however, reported the lowest participation at 37.72%.

Polling remained steady across several other districts, including Muzaffarpur (45.41%), Saharsa (44.20%), and Madhepura (44.16%). Key constituencies such as Raghopur (43.3%), Tarapur (44.35%), and Mokama (41.78%) also saw encouraging voter response, reflecting a largely active and peaceful first phase of polling across the state.

Reacting to RJD’s claim that power supply was cut off at polling booths, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad hit back, calling the allegation “baseless.” Speaking in Patna, he said, “RJD is crying in despair by noon, fearing defeat.” He urged voters to ignore “misleading rhetoric” and turn out in large numbers, asserting that RJD’s loss was inevitable.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra asserted that if the Bihar assembly polls are conducted in a free and fair manner, the NDA government will be uprooted, and replaced by a dispensation that would work for the poor, women and the youth.

Vadra, addressing a poll rally here, alleged that the NDA government has no respect for the people of Bihar, who contributed immensely for development of the nation.

Speaking at an election rally in Ramnagar, Bettiah, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a fierce attack on Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of defending Bangladeshi infiltrators. Referring to Rahul’s alleged ‘Ghuspetiya Bachchao Yatra’, Shah said, “Should infiltrators decide who becomes CM?” He asserted that the BJP will remove every infiltrator from the country, regardless of opposition protests.

Campaigning in Ramnagar, Bettiah, Union Home Minister Amit Shah predicted a landslide victory for the NDA in Bihar. “Do you want to know the results on 14th November? By 11 am, the parties of Lalu and Rahul will be wiped out,” Shah said, asserting that the NDA under PM Modi and CM Nitish Kumar will return to power.

Addressing a rally in Sitamarhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised Bihar CM Nitish Kumar for his clean governance, saying, “No one can accuse him of corruption.” He lauded Nitish’s role in making Bihar progressive while attacking the RJD, claiming its rule was marked by “goons, guns, and fear” and warning voters against a return to that era.

BJP MP Anurag Thakur from Hamirpur expressed his confidence in the people of Bihar during the first phase of the Bihar elections on Thursday.

In his interaction with ANI, Thakur described the people of Bihar as intelligent and emphasised that they understand the importance of democracy. He also encouraged people to cast their votes in large numbers.

The BJP MP asserted that the people of Bihar should use their votes to accelerate the state's development. He expressed confidence that the people of Bihar would succeed in this effort.

Union Minister and LJP (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan cast his vote in Khagaria during the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections. After voting, he said, “I have fulfilled my responsibility by casting my vote, and I would like every person to do the same to elect a government of their choice.” Responding to Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of vote rigging, Paswan urged the Congress to approach the court if its claims were genuine, adding that the “Mahagathbandhan is losing the election.”

Paswan also accused his uncle, Pashupati Kumar Paras, of “breaking the family” and urged Alauli voters to remember who “betrayed my father, Ram Vilas Paswan.”

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar on Thursday dismissed the Rashtriya Janata Dal’s (RJD) allegations of deliberate power cuts at select polling stations during the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, calling them "completely baseless and misleading."

In response to RJD’s post on X, the CEO’s office clarified that voting across the state was proceeding "smoothly" and that the Election Commission of India was "ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process." The CEO wrote, "This allegation is completely baseless and misleading. Voting is taking place smoothly at all polling stations in Bihar. The Election Commission of India is following all standard protocols to ensure that the voting process is fair, transparent, and uninterrupted. There is no basis for such misleading propaganda."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Whether it's Congress or RJD, they have no concern for the country's security and faith. That's why these people also insult our faith and culture. Congress's 'naamdaar' comes to Bihar and calls the worship of Chhathi Maiya a drama. This is an insult to Chhathi Maiya, to our faith. Our mothers and sisters don't even drink water during the worship of Chhathi Maiya, and they call it a farce..."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "A very major challenge stands before these efforts of ours. That challenge is of the infiltrators. The NDA government is engaged with complete honesty in identifying each and every infiltrator and deporting them from the country. But these RJD and Congress people are busy protecting the infiltrators. They spread all sorts of lies to save these infiltrators, and take out political tours to mislead the people."

The Election Commission top brass is constantly monitoring the ongoing polling in Bihar through the live feed available from polling stations.

CCTVs have been installed for the first time in all polling stations of the state.

Officials said Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners S S Sandhu and Vivek Joshi have stationed themselves at the EC's control room at the Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi.

A total of 27.65 per cent of 3.75 crore voters exercised their franchise till 11 am in the first phase of the Bihar assembly elections on Thursday, an official said.

Begusarai district recorded the highest polling percentage so far at 30.37, followed by Lakhisarai (30.32) and Gopalganj (30.04).

Senior politicians, including Bihar Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, INDIA bloc's CM candidate Tejashwi Yadav, VIP chief Mukesh Sahani, and Union ministers Giriraj Singh and Rajiv Ranjan Singh 'Lalan' were among those who cast their votes in the first few hours of voting.

Voting began at 7 am for 121 seats amid tight security arrangements, an official said, adding it will continue till 5 pm.

In the first phase, a total of 3.75 crore voters will decide the electoral fate of 1,314 candidates, including top leaders such as Tejashwi Yadav and Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary of the BJP.

As the first phase of the polls began, RJD MP Manoj Jha said voting is meant to bring change, focusing on core issues like jobs and social security. He questioned why women's employment was ignored earlier, crediting Tejashwi Yadav for raising issues

As the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections began on Thursday, women in Patna performed the traditional Jhijhiya folk dance to promote voter awareness. A 13.13% turnout was recorded till 9 am, with Saharsa leading at 15.27%.

Former Bihar chief minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Thursday urged voters to bring a change after 20 years of NDA rule in the state.

Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday made a final push to woo voters as the first phase of polling began in Bihar. Reiterating the alliance’s key promises, he pledged one government job per family and renewed his assurances to Jeevika Didis, youth, and farmers.

As Bihar votes in the first phase, Hajipur reflects the pulse of a changing electorate — from Nitish Kumar’s Rs 10,000 women’s scheme to Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj challenge and shifting caste loyalties that could redefine state politics.

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar cast his vote on Thursday morning in the first phase of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, displaying his inked finger to the media after exercising his franchise at a polling station in Bakhtiyarpur constituency. Accompanied by a small entourage, Kumar emphasised the importance of voting in a post on X.

"In democracy, voting is not only our right but also our duty. Today, voting for the first phase of the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections is taking place -- all voters are urged to exercise their voting rights. Vote and inspire others to vote as well. Vote first, then refreshments!" he wrote.

A voter turnout of 13.13 per cent was recorded till 9 am in the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, according to the Election Commission of India. The highest voter turnout of 15.27 per cent was recorded in Saharsa district of the state among all districts, while Lakhisarai recorded a sluggish turnout of 7 per cent.

As of 9 am, a voter turnout of 14.60 per cent was recorded in Begusarai district, followed by 13.11 per cent in Bhojpur, 13.28 per cent in Buxar, 12.48 per cent in Darbhanga, 13.97 per cent in Gopalganj, 14.15 per cent in Khagaria, 13.74 per cent in Madhepura, 13.37 per cent in Munger, 14.38 per cent in Muzaffarpur, 12.45 per cent in Nalanda, 11.22 per cent in Patna, 12.86 per cent in Samastipur, 13.30 per cent in Saran, 12.97 per cent in Sheikhpura, 13.35 per cent in Siwan and 14.30 per cent in Vaishali.