Bihar scripts history with over 67% turnout as exit polls point to NDA sweep

Bihar witnessed its most emphatic democratic exercise yet, with a record 67.14% voter turnout in the second and final phase of polling on November 11 — the highest since the state’s first election in 1951.

The unprecedented participation came alongside a near-unanimous chorus from exit polls predicting a resounding victory for the ruling NDA, led by the BJP and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U).

According to projections released after voting ended, the NDA is expected to sail well past the majority mark of 122 in the 243-member Assembly, while the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan may struggle to reach the 100-seat threshold.

The Dainik Bhaskar exit poll predicted 145–160 seats for the NDA, Times Now–JVC gave it 135–150, while IANS–Matrize and P-Marq placed the alliance between 142–167. In contrast, the Mahagathbandhan’s range across polls hovered between 70 and 103. The much-discussed new entrant, Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj, was not expected to cross into double digits.

Turnout surge driven by Seemanchal and Champaran

Polling on November 11 covered 122 constituencies across 20 districts, spanning Seemanchal, Champaran, Mithilanchal, and Magadh — regions long known for fierce contests between the two major alliances.

The Muslim-majority Seemanchal region led the surge with an average turnout of 73.77%, anchored by Kishanganj (76.26%), Katihar (75.23%), and Purnia (73.79%). The Champaran belt followed closely at 69.17%, while the Ang region averaged 67.58%.

Meanwhile, Magadh — traditionally a Mahagathbandhan stronghold — recorded the lowest average turnout at 63.30%, followed by Shahabad at 63.96%.

Officials credited the historic participation to cleaner voter rolls and intensified awareness campaigns. Over 65 lakh ineligible names were removed during the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR), improving accuracy and voter confidence. “Refined rolls and greater voter mobilisation have clearly translated into higher participation,” a senior poll official said.

Tight security, smooth polling amid blast alert

Despite heightened security in the wake of November 10 Delhi blast, the Election Commission reported a “peaceful and incident-free” polling day. Nearly 1,500 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, 50 companies of Bihar Military Police, and 45,000 state police personnel were deployed across 45,399 polling stations, each equipped with 100% live webcasting for real-time monitoring.

The India–Nepal border was sealed 48 hours before polling, with 459 checkpoints across Bihar’s boundaries with Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Nepal. Drones, mounted units, boats, and satellite phones reinforced coverage in sensitive and remote areas, with the DGP and top officials monitoring operations from headquarters.

Historic momentum heading into counting day

The turnout capped an election season that began with a record-breaking 65.08% in the first phase — already a steep rise from 57.29% in 2020. Together, the two phases have catapulted Bihar’s democratic engagement to an all-time high.

As counting day approaches on November 14, the historic turnout, sweeping exit poll trends, and a politically charged atmosphere suggest Bihar is poised for a defining verdict — one that could reshape its power balance for years to come.