Bihar records historic 67.14% turnout in final phase; exit polls favour NDA majority
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Patna: Bihar registered its highest-ever voter turnout of 67.14% in the second and final phase of Assembly elections on Tuesday, surpassing all previous records since 1951. The surge in participation coincided with exit polls unanimously predicting a clear majority for the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U).
Polling was held across 122 constituencies in 20 districts, with Seemanchal leading the turnout at 73.77%, followed by Champaran (69.17%), Ang (67.58%), Mithilanchal (66.77%), Shahabad (63.96%), and Magadh (63.30%). The latter two regions, traditionally Mahagathbandhan strongholds, recorded the lowest turnout.
Exit polls projected the NDA tally well above the 122-seat majority mark in the 243-member House. Estimates for the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan ranged between 70 and 103 seats, while Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj was not expected to cross double digits.
Exit poll projections from various agencies indicate a strong lead for the NDA in the Bihar Assembly elections. Dainik Bhaskar forecasts 145 to 160 seats for the NDA, 73 to 91 for the Mahagathbandhan, and 5 to 7 for other parties. Times Now-JVC estimates 135 to 150 seats for the NDA, 88 to 103 for the Mahagathbandhan, and 3 to 6 for others. IANS-Matrize predicts 147 to 167 seats for the NDA, 70 to 90 for the Mahagathbandhan, and 2 to 8 for other contenders. Meanwhile, P-Marq projects 142 to 162 seats for the NDA, 80 to 98 for the Mahagathbandhan, and 0 to 3 for others.
The Election Commission attributed the record turnout to improved voter roll accuracy following the deletion of over 65 lakh ineligible entries during its Special Intensive Revision exercise, alongside enhanced voter awareness efforts.
The first phase of polling on 6 November had already set a new benchmark with 65.08% turnout, a sharp rise from 57.29% in the 2020 elections. With Tuesday’s figures, Bihar’s overall participation reached an unprecedented level.
Polling was declared peaceful and incident-free, with extensive security measures in place. Over 1,500 CAPF companies, 50 Bihar Military Police units, and 45,000 state personnel were deployed. All 45,399 polling stations were monitored via live webcasting. Borders with Nepal, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal were sealed and patrolled, with 459 checkpoints established.
In light of the recent Delhi blast, Bihar Police intensified surveillance, deploying drones, boats, and satellite phones in sensitive areas. Senior officers, led by the DGP, oversaw operations from state headquarters.
Vote counting is scheduled for 14 November.