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Bihar votes in high-stakes election amid turnout surge
Over 74 million eligible voters in Bihar began casting ballots Thursday in a pivotal two-phase election for the state's 243 legislative seats, with early reports indicating brisk participation across 18 districts. The results, due November 14, will test Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in one of India's poorest and most populous states, where it has yet to secure an outright majority.
Voter enthusiasm defies health and logistical challenges
Long queues formed outside polling stations throughout the day, with district authorities deploying electric three-wheelers to transport elderly voters and those with disabilities. In Alipur, a 70-year-old woman, visibly unwell, was carried to her polling center on a cot by family members. "She insisted on voting," relatives told reporters, underscoring the election's significance to residents.
By 16:00 local time (10:30 GMT), the Election Commission recorded a 53.77% turnout. Many centers in Siwan, Darbhaga, and Begusarai featured selfie booths and resting tents, while officials in some areas decorated stations with balloons-a rare festive touch in a state where millions migrate annually for work.
Controversial voter roll revisions spark opposition backlash
The election follows a contentious revision of electoral rolls, which opposition parties-including the Congress-allied Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-alleged disproportionately removed Muslim voters to benefit the BJP. The Election Commission and BJP denied the claims, noting 4.7 million names were purged from a final list of 74.2 million voters released in September. Analysts warn the dispute could shadow the legitimacy of the results.
Key alliances and fading political titans
The ruling coalition, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and the BJP, faces a challenge from the RJD-Congress alliance, which has tapped into caste-based support. Kumar, a BJP ally who helped Modi secure the 2024 federal victory, has dominated Bihar's politics for two decades. His rival, RJD's Lalu Prasad Yadav-a former chief minister convicted in corruption cases-remains influential despite health struggles. Yadav's son, Tejashwi, heads the opposition's chief ministerial bid.
A wildcard in the race is political strategist Prashant Kishor's new party, which could siphon votes from both blocs. Kishor, who previously advised the BJP and Congress, has positioned himself as a reformist alternative.
Women voters emerge as decisive bloc
With women comprising nearly half the electorate, parties have rolled out targeted welfare schemes to court their support. Political analyst Santosh Singh notes female voters in Bihar prioritize policy over personality-a shift from traditional caste loyalties. "Wherever turnout spikes, it's usually women leading the charge," said Kushboo Devi, a 40-year-old campaigner in Masaurhi village, reflecting grassroots mobilization efforts.
Phase two and beyond
The final round of voting occurs November 11. Observers say the outcome may foreshadow trends in upcoming state elections, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, where caste and gender dynamics similarly shape politics. For now, Bihar's voters-undeterred by logistical hurdles or health risks-have signaled their stakes in the state's future.
