The second phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 began on Thursday with voters across 56 constituencies turning out in large numbers. By 9:00 AM, the state recorded a 14.55% voter turnout, building on the historic participation seen in Phase 1.
Phase 2 Voting Off to a Brisk Start
Polling commenced at 7:00 AM in 12 districts, including high-stakes regions like Patna, Bhagalpur, and Muzaffarpur. Urban centers saw enthusiastic early voting, with long queues reported at major polling stations.
This phase is critical for both the Mahagathbandhan (RJD-led) and the NDA (BJP-led), as results here could sway the balance in the 243-seat assembly.
Key Battleground Constituencies
- Patna Sahib: BJP’s Ravi Shankar Prasad defends his stronghold.
- Hajipur: RJD’s Shiv Chandra Ram vs BJP’s Pashupati Kumar Paras.
- Bhagalpur: Ex-Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi (BJP) faces RJD’s Ajay Sharma.
Exit polls after Phase 1 hinted at a close race, with rural areas favoring the Mahagathbandhan and urban zones leaning toward the NDA.
Security and EVM Management
- 1.2 lakh security personnel deployed, including central forces.
- 12,000 polling stations equipped with webcasting in sensitive areas.
- Minor EVM glitches reported in Patna and Muzaffarpur, quickly resolved.
Voter Sentiment and Key Issues
Top concerns include unemployment, inflation, and infrastructure. The RJD’s “10 lakh jobs” promise contrasts with the BJP’s focus on nationalism and economic growth.
Phase 1 Sets a High Bar
The first phase (October 25) saw a record 62.8% turnout, the highest in Bihar’s history. Exit polls gave the Mahagathbandhan a slight edge, but the NDA remains confident in urban strongholds.
What’s Ahead?
- Phase 3: November 1
- Phase 4: November 7
- Results: November 12
Live Updates (10:00 AM)
- Turnout: ~22.3%
- Trends: Patna, Bhagalpur, and Muzaffarpur lead in participation.
- VIP Vote: Actor Shatrughan Sinha casts ballot in Patna.
- Incident: Minor scuffle in Sitamarhi, police intervene.
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— Reporting by Ananya Verma, NextMinuteNews
