The first phase of voting in the Bihar Assembly elections has been completed, with a historic turnout. Around 65% voter participation was recorded, with approximately 3.75 crore voters casting their ballots across 121 constituencies. This is being considered the highest voter turnout for the first phase in Bihar’s electoral history. As the campaigning for the second phase of voting intensifies, political leaders are holding rallies across the state. On Saturday, November 8, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with other prominent leaders, will address public gatherings in various regions of Bihar.
PM Modi and Other Key Leaders Hold Rallies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address rallies in Sitamarhi and Bettiah on Saturday, with a large crowd expected at both venues. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh is also actively participating in the campaign, with three rallies lined up in Bihar, including in East Champaran, Motihari, and Pipra. In addition, Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are also slated to hold extensive rallies throughout the state.
Yogi Adityanath Criticizes RJD and Congress Government
While addressing a rally in Motihari, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticized the previous governments led by Congress and RJD, claiming they did not serve the people. He pointed out that under the current government, various welfare schemes, such as the One Nation One Ration Card, have benefited the poor. Yogi Adityanath further highlighted that 40 crore bank accounts have been opened for citizens, and several free schemes like LPG gas connections for 10 crore people have been implemented. He emphasized that the RJD and Congress could no longer engage in corrupt practices, as the current government was focused on providing direct benefits to farmers and the poor.
PM Modi Highlights Bihar’s Progress and Criticizes RJD’s Agenda
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed a rally in Bihar, focusing on the future of the youth in the state. He stressed that the children of Bihar should aspire to become engineers, doctors, lawyers, and judges, rather than falling into a life of crime. He criticized the RJD for allegedly promoting a criminal mindset among the youth in its political rhetoric. Modi condemned the “Jungle Raj” of RJD and pointed out how it led to economic deterioration in Bihar. According to the Prime Minister, the RJD’s narrative does not align with the development that Bihar needs, contrasting it with the ongoing improvements under the NDA government.
PM Modi’s Remarks on First Phase Voting
During his rally in Sitamarhi, PM Modi congratulated the people of Bihar for their participation in the first phase of voting, calling it a massive victory for the NDA. He remarked that the overwhelming turnout in Sitamarhi, the birthplace of Mother Sita, symbolized a wave of support for the NDA. He claimed that the first phase of voting had already delivered a 65-volt shock to the Grand Alliance, solidifying NDA’s victory in the state.
Allegations of Voter List Manipulation and Voting Irregularities
In a controversial development, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera accused the BJP and the Election Commission of manipulating the voter list. He claimed that several long-time voters, who had voted in previous elections, found their names missing from the electoral rolls. Khera expressed frustration that many voters who had been casting their votes for generations were excluded, and he alleged that this was part of an effort to rig the election process. He further accused the BJP and Election Commission of colluding to undermine the electoral process and deprive the opposition of a fair chance.
Prashant Kishor on the Issue of Voter Fraud and Election Integrity
Prashant Kishor, the founder of the Jan Suraj Party, responded to allegations of voter fraud, stating that there was no issue of “vote theft” in Bihar. He emphasized that the record voter turnout in the first phase of voting was a clear indication of the state’s desire for change. Kishor also dismissed the allegations of voter list manipulation, pointing out that no complaints had been raised regarding the removal of names from the voter list in Bihar. According to Kishor, the issue of “vote theft” may be relevant in other regions like Delhi but not in Bihar, where people were actively participating in the election process.
EVM Photos Shared on Social Media: Legal Action Taken
Election officials in Bihar have taken legal action against four voters who allegedly took photographs of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the voting process and shared them on social media. The incidents occurred in the districts of Ara, Gopalganj, and Saran, where the first phase of voting took place. According to officials, two voters in Gopalganj and one each in Ara and Saran have been booked for violating the model code of conduct and election laws. The police are investigating how the voters managed to bring mobile phones inside the polling stations, despite restrictions on such devices.
Shahnawaz Hussain Criticizes Rahul Gandhi’s Rally in Bihar
BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain also took a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, claiming that his rally in Bihar had failed to gather significant support. Hussain stated that Rahul Gandhi’s lack of preparation was evident, referring to the inaccurate information provided to him about developments in Bihar, such as the establishment of Nalanda University and Vikramshila University in Bhagalpur. Hussain mocked the turnout at Gandhi’s rally, calling it a “flop show” compared to the massive crowds at rallies led by BJP leaders like Amit Shah. He emphasized that the people of Bihar were firmly supporting the BJP.
Ramdas Athawale Praises Nitish Kumar’s Leadership
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale praised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s leadership during a rally in Bihar. He credited Kumar for his efforts in steering the state’s development, particularly highlighting the large-scale support from the central government under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. Athawale acknowledged that Nitish Kumar had played a key role in bringing Bihar onto the path of progress, with significant federal assistance over the past decade. He further praised the socio-economic initiatives launched under Kumar’s administration, which had contributed to Bihar’s growth and development.
Looking Ahead to the Second Phase of Bihar Elections
As the election campaign heats up in the lead-up to the second phase of voting, the political landscape in Bihar remains charged with activity. Key leaders from the NDA and opposition parties continue to hold rallies and engage with voters. The second phase of voting, set for November 11, 2025, is expected to be a pivotal moment in the election process. The outcome of this phase will likely shape the future political direction of Bihar, as candidates from all parties seek to secure their place in the state’s legislature.
The Bihar Assembly elections are witnessing intense competition, with both the ruling NDA and opposition parties pushing their agendas vigorously. The first phase of voting has shown strong support for the NDA, as evidenced by the high turnout and Prime Minister Modi’s remarks. However, the opposition, led by RJD and Congress, is determined to challenge the ruling coalition in the second phase. As campaigning continues and voter turnout remains a key focus, the political fate of Bihar will be decided in the coming weeks, with all parties striving to win the trust and votes of the people.
