The first phase of Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 has seen a historic voter turnout, with 64.66% of eligible voters casting their ballots. This marks the highest voter participation in years, and political strategist Prashant Kishor believes that history has been made. Speaking to the media in Gaya on November 7, 2025, Kishor offered his insights into the factors driving this surge in voter engagement and the significance of migrant workers in this election.
Record Voter Turnout in Bihar Election Phase 1
Prashant Kishor emphasized that the voter turnout of 64.66% in the first phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 signifies a major shift in the state’s political landscape. He believes that this increase in voter participation is unprecedented, especially considering the political disillusionment that had taken root in the state over the past few decades. Kishor pointed out that, for the first time in many years, Bihar has witnessed such high levels of enthusiasm among the electorate. According to Kishor, the primary reason for this increase in voter turnout is the introduction of a new political alternative.
Kishor, who is the founder of the Jan Suraj Party, further explained that the people of Bihar have been waiting for a change, which is now being driven by the presence of a fresh political option. He stated that the lack of viable alternatives over the last 30 years had led to voter apathy, but with the rise of Jan Suraj, people now had hope for change. The new political landscape, he added, is encouraging people to vote, signaling a desire for transformation in the state.
Migrant Workers as the X-Factor in Bihar Elections
Prashant Kishor also highlighted the crucial role of migrant workers in this election. He referred to them as the “X-factor” and credited their active participation for contributing to the surprise surge in voter turnout. According to Kishor, many migrant workers who had returned to Bihar after the Chhath festival had participated in the voting process, defying expectations and making a significant impact on the overall voter turnout. He noted that these workers not only voted themselves but also encouraged their family members to do the same, further boosting the participation rate.
Kishor pointed out that, despite predictions by some pundits, the turnout was much higher than anticipated. He emphasized that migrant workers, more than women voters, played a pivotal role in this increased engagement. The fact that over two crore people had voted, as per Kishor’s assessment, is a clear indication of their desire for change.
The Shift in Voter Sentiment: A Break from Political Rivals
In his comments, Prashant Kishor also discussed the dynamics of the political competition in Bihar. He said that elections are not only about determining who will hold power but also about deciding who will play the role of the opposition. According to Kishor, the people’s growing enthusiasm for change means that the influence of the established political figures, such as Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav, is now diminishing.
Kishor noted that, in the past, Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav had been forced into a situation where they needed to rely on each other due to mutual fear of each other’s political power. However, he claimed that the people of Bihar have now rejected that political equation. The “compulsion” for both Nitish and Lalu to align against each other in the past elections is no longer as strong. The presence of a fresh political alternative has broken this cycle and allowed for more open and enthusiastic voting among the electorate.
The Role of Migrant Workers in Shaping the Election Outcome
Migrant workers are a critical factor in this year’s election. With many workers returning home after the Chhath festival, they brought with them a new level of political awareness and engagement. Prashant Kishor described them as key players in the election’s outcome. They have shown that they are not only aware of the political changes in their home state but are also willing to actively participate in the democratic process. Kishor stressed that their participation was a major game-changer in this election, significantly influencing the voting percentage and overall atmosphere of the campaign.
A Shift in Voter Behavior and Political Expectations
Kishor’s remarks indicate a larger shift in Bihar’s political culture. For years, voters had been caught in a cycle of political apathy due to the lack of viable alternatives. However, the surge in voter turnout in the first phase of the 2025 elections suggests that the public is ready for change. The increased participation is not just a reflection of the dissatisfaction with the status quo but also an indication that the electorate is more engaged and motivated to shape the future of the state.
The rise of the Jan Suraj Party, as Kishor suggests, has offered people a new hope and a reason to vote. It has given the electorate an alternative to the long-standing political dominance of Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav. The enthusiasm for change is evident, and the first phase of voting is just a glimpse of what’s to come in the remaining phases.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Bihar’s Political Landscape
As the election progresses, the focus will be on how this increased voter turnout translates into political outcomes. With the second phase of voting set to take place on November 14, 2025, all eyes will be on whether the momentum continues. Prashant Kishor’s prediction that history will be made on the 14th suggests that he believes the second phase will further reinforce the desire for change.
This election could potentially mark the beginning of a new political era in Bihar, where the old political equations give way to new leadership. Whether this transformation will lead to lasting change or if the traditional political forces will reassert control remains to be seen.
Prashant Kishor’s analysis of the Bihar Election 2025 provides valuable insights into the factors influencing the record voter turnout in the first phase. The presence of a new political option and the active participation of migrant workers are significant factors driving this election. As the election continues, the focus will be on whether this enthusiasm for change can lead to a new direction for Bihar. With the second phase of voting just days away, the people of Bihar are showing that they are ready to make their voices heard and shape the future of their state.
