Voting for the second phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 is underway across the state, with 3.7 crore voters set to decide the fate of 1,302 candidates contesting across multiple constituencies.
This phase is particularly crucial for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s cabinet, as 12 ministers from his government are in the fray, making it a defining day for the ruling alliance.
Polling began at 7 AM under tight security, with paramilitary forces deployed across sensitive areas to ensure smooth and peaceful voting.
Phase 2: Key Constituencies and Stakes
The second phase covers 94 assembly constituencies spread across 17 districts, including politically significant regions such as Patna, Nalanda, Gaya, Darbhanga, and Muzaffarpur.
Prominent ministers contesting in this phase include:
Vijay Kumar Choudhary (Education Minister) — contesting from Sonepur
Ashok Choudhary (Building Construction Minister) — from Kurtha
Bijendra Prasad Yadav (Energy Minister) — from Supaul
Lesi Singh (Food and Consumer Affairs Minister) — from Dhamdaha
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who represents the Janata Dal (United) within the NDA alliance, faces a major test as anti-incumbency and alliance dynamics come into play.
Voter Turnout and Polling Trends
As of 12 noon, the Election Commission of India (ECI) reported a voter turnout of around 28.6%, with urban regions showing slower participation compared to rural areas.
Polling is expected to continue till 5 PM in most constituencies, with extended hours in regions with high turnout or logistical delays.
Officials said the process has been largely peaceful, though minor glitches in EVMs were reported in a few booths in Gopalganj and Darbhanga, which were quickly resolved.
“Polling is smooth and well-coordinated. Voter enthusiasm remains strong despite early morning chill,” said a senior election officer in Patna.
Who’s in the Fray
The NDA, comprising JD(U), BJP, and HAM, faces a stiff challenge from the Mahagathbandhan (RJD, Congress, Left parties) and smaller regional outfits.
Key contests include:
Sonepur: JD(U)’s Vijay Kumar Choudhary vs RJD’s Akhilesh Singh
Nalanda: JD(U)’s Shravan Kumar vs Independent-backed candidate Manoj Yadav
Muzaffarpur: BJP’s Suresh Sharma vs RJD’s Chandra Shekhar
Political analysts say Phase 2 will determine the direction of the election, as it includes Nitish Kumar’s home turf, Nalanda, and strongholds of both RJD and BJP.
Security and Arrangements
Over 1.25 lakh security personnel, including Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), have been deployed across polling booths, with drone surveillance covering sensitive zones.
To ensure fair voting, webcasting has been enabled in nearly 40% of polling stations, allowing real-time monitoring by election officials.
Women voters have shown significant participation, with special pink polling booths set up in several districts.
Political Significance
This phase will serve as a litmus test for Nitish Kumar’s governance model and the opposition’s narrative of change.
While the BJP aims to consolidate its presence, the RJD-Congress alliance is banking on youth and rural voters.
“Phase 2 could determine whether Nitish Kumar’s leadership retains rural trust or whether the opposition gains ground,” said a political analyst from Patna University.
The final phase of polling will be held on November 20, 2025, with results to be declared on December 3, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How many seats are being contested in Phase 2 of the Bihar Elections 2025?
A total of 94 seats are up for grabs in this phase.
Q2: How many candidates are contesting?
There are 1,302 candidates contesting across 17 districts.
Q3: What is the total number of voters in this phase?
Around 3.7 crore voters are eligible to vote.
Q4: Which ministers are contesting today?
Twelve ministers from Nitish Kumar’s cabinet, including Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Lesi Singh.
Q5: When will results be announced?
Results for all phases will be announced on December 3, 2025.
Published on : 11th November
Published by : SMITA
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Source Credit : Reported by NDTV News Desk