Record Voter Turnout in Bihar’s First Phase Fuels Political War of Words

Bihar has witnessed a historic voter turnout in the first phase of assembly elections, with nearly 64% voting recorded, marking the highest participation since independence. The surge in polling across 18 districts with an increase of 6% to 12% compared to 2020 has intensified political speculation about which way the state is leaning. Political analysts suggest that such heavy voting often signals a shift in power, prompting both the ruling NDA and the opposition Mahagathbandhan to claim early momentum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the turnout as a reflection of people’s faith in the double-engine government, while Tejashwi Yadav asserted that the mandate marks a wave of support for change and the Mahagathbandhan. Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav declared that “half the seats have voted, but the result for all of Bihar is clear,” calling it the beginning of a new phase of INDIA bloc unity. Social media has become the new battleground, with BJP, JDU, and RJD all claiming victory through campaign posts. While NDA predicts the “return of Nitish Sarkar,” the opposition insists that the record turnout is a vote for change. The next two phases will determine whether this unprecedented participation cements continuity or ushers in a new political era in Bihar.