The political future of Bihar hangs in the balance as the second and final phase of assembly elections unfolds across the state today, November 11. This crucial voting day covers 122 assembly seats spread over 20 districts, marking the culmination of the high-stakes Bihar Elections 2025.
High-Stakes Contest for Power
Today's voting will determine the political destiny of 1,302 candidates, including a significant number of ministers from the Nitish Kumar-led National Democratic Alliance government. The electoral battle pits the ruling NDA against the opposition Mahagathbandhan alliance in what many consider a referendum on both state and central governance.
The ruling NDA coalition, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal (United), is seeking re-election based on the development narrative of Nitish Kumar's 20-year rule in Bihar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 11-year tenure at the Centre. Meanwhile, the opposition Mahagathbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress, is campaigning on issues of anti-incumbency, alleged misgovernance, and employment generation promises.
Historical Context and Seat Distribution
Looking back at the 2020 assembly elections provides crucial context for today's contest. Of the 122 seats voting today, the Mahagathbandhan had secured 49 seats in the previous election. This included RJD's 33 seats, Congress Party's 11 seats, and CPI(ML)-L's five seats.
The National Democratic Alliance had won 66 seats in the same region during the 2020 polls, with BJP claiming 42 seats, JD-U securing 20, and HAM adding four more to the coalition's tally. The Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM had emerged as a significant player with five seats, while the Bahujan Samaj Party and an Independent candidate won one seat each.
Electoral Landscape and Key Players
Beyond the two major alliances, several other political forces are making their presence felt in this election. Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party and Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM are actively contesting seats, particularly in the Seemachal region where MIM performed well in 2020.
The first phase of voting, held on November 6, set an encouraging precedent with a record 65 percent voter turnout, indicating strong public participation in the democratic process. Early reports from the Election Commission show a 14.5 percent turnout until 9 am in the current phase.
All eyes are now set on November 14 when the election results will be officially declared, determining which political formation will govern India's politically significant eastern state for the next five years.
