Bihar Elections 2025: Fate of 121 seats sealed in Phase 1 of polling; race for 122 in Phase 2 set in motion

Bihar recorded the highest-ever turnout in the first phase of assembly polls on Thursday. The election was peaceful, barring a few incidents of clashes between the supporters of BJP and RJD. BJP leader Vijay Kumar Sinha alleged that RJD supporters attacked his convoy in his home turf of Lakhisarai. A heated argument took place between Sinha and RJD MLC Ajay Kumar. Kumar accused Sinha of being a 'criminal' and alleged he was trying to intimidate voters. Sinha hit back, calling Kumar a 'failed leader' and a 'drunkard'.

Stakes are high for both the ruling NDA and the INDIA bloc in the first phase, with several key leaders, including RJD's Tejashwi Yadav, deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, and several ministers in the fray.

With the first phase over, the political parties have shifted focus to the crucial second phase, with a thrust on Champaran and Seemanchal. On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed two public meetings.


Champaran has been an NDA stronghold for decades and alliance leaders are working to repeat the performance and negate anti-incumbency against certain candidates. For the Opposition, Champaran proved to be their Waterloo in 2020 as it couldn't record substantial gain. This time, RJD and Congress have been selective in ticket distribution and are focusing on improving their performance.

On Friday, Patna airport has scheduled take-off of 22 helicopters -- 17 for NDA leaders and five for Mahagathbandhan's.