Bihar Polls 2025: Delhi Blast Triggers Nepal Border Closure; 47% Voter Turnout So Far

Voting for the remaining 122 Assembly seats began at 7 AM and will continue till 5 PM across 20 districts, marking the conclusion of one of the most closely watched elections in the country.

Nepal Border Sealed for 72 Hours After Delhi Blast

In the wake of the Red Fort blast in Delhi, authorities have tightened security across Bihar. The 700-km-long Indo-Nepal border has been sealed for 72 hours to prevent any untoward incidents during polling.

“The Police is alert following the incident in Delhi yesterday. The international border along Bihar has been sealed in view of the elections,”
said Bihar DGP Vinay Kumar, adding that the move aims to ensure peaceful polling across all constituencies.

Voter Turnout Trends

Earlier in the day, the turnout at 11 AM stood at 31.38%, showing a steady rise throughout the afternoon. The first phase of elections, held on November 6, had witnessed a record 64.66% turnout — the highest in Bihar’s electoral history.

Over 3.7 crore voters, including 1.74 crore women, are eligible to vote in this phase across 45,399 polling stations.

High-Stakes Battle: NDA vs INDIA Bloc

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar faces a tough contest against the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led INDIA bloc.

• BJP leader Ashwini Kumar Choubey predicted a “thumping majority of over 180 seats” for the NDA, citing pro-development sentiment.
• On the other hand, RJD MP Manoj Jha claimed a “wave of change” across the state, asserting that Tejashwi Yadav’s alliance would unseat the Nitish-led government.

Key Candidates in Fray

Some of the key candidates contesting in this phase include:

• Nitish Kumar (CM, JD(U))
• Tarkishore Prasad (Katihar)
• Uday Narain Choudhary (Sikandra)
• Renu Devi (BJP, Sitamarhi)
• Pramod Kumar (Motihari)
• Narayan Prasad (Nautan)
• Vinay Bihari (Lauriya)

Poll Incidents and Law & Order

Minor tensions were reported from Araria, where Congress and BJP supporters clashed outside a polling booth. Police intervened to restore order.
In Motihari, two people were arrested after RJD alleged violation of model code of conduct, claiming BJP agents were showing voters party symbols inside polling booths.

Leaders React

• PM Narendra Modi urged voters to “set new records” in the final phase, encouraging youth to come out in large numbers.
• JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha said voters were “choosing peace and development,” praising the increased voter enthusiasm.
• Congress’s Bihar chief Rajesh Ram claimed the INDIA alliance would form the next government, citing a “visible wave for change.”

Exit Polls Expected Tonight

With polling set to end at 5 PM, exit polls for the Bihar Assembly elections are expected to be released from 6:30 PM onwards, as per Election Commission guidelines.

The results will be announced on November 14, deciding whether Nitish Kumar’s NDA will retain power or if the INDIA bloc can pull off an upset.

By-Elections Also Underway

Simultaneously, by-elections are being held across eight Assembly constituencies in six states and one Union Territory, including Nagrota and Budgam (J&K), Anta (Rajasthan), Ghatsila (Jharkhand), Jubilee Hills (Telangana), Tarn Taran (Punjab), Dampa (Mizoram), and Nuapada (Odisha).

Turnout in these constituencies has been moderate, ranging between 20% and 35% as of 1 PM.