The eastern Indian state of Bihar recorded a historic voter turnout of 64.66% in its two-phase assembly election for 243 seats, marking the highest participation in the state’s history, according to India’s Election Commission. Counting of votes is scheduled for November 14.
The election, viewed as a major test for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), follows a controversial revision of electoral rolls that opposition parties claim excluded genuine voters—especially minorities—to favour the ruling party. The BJP and its ally Janata Dal (United), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, are contesting against an opposition alliance headed by Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress Party.
Bihar, one of India’s poorest and most populous states, has over 74 million registered voters, with female participation expected to play a decisive role. Election day saw long queues, elderly voters transported by electric rickshaws, and polling stations decorated to encourage turnout.
The polls are significant not only for the state’s political future but also for the national political landscape, as Bihar remains one of the few large states where the BJP has not governed independently. The election may also mark the last active campaign for long-time political rivals Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad Yadav, both in frail health.
Analysts highlight that women voters—nearly half the electorate—could influence the outcome, with both alliances focusing on welfare and financial assistance programs to secure their support.
