PATNA: The first phase of the Bihar Legislative Assembly Elections 2025 concluded on Thursday with a historic voter turnout of 64.66%, which the Election Commission of India (ECI) has hailed as the highest ever in the state's electoral history and a significant jump from the 56.1% recorded in the first phase of the 2020 Assembly polls.

Polling for 121 Assembly Constituencies across 18 districts, involving over 3.75 crore electors, was largely peaceful, according to officials.Vogaan Men's Polo Shirt and Shorts Set | Summer Fashion Short Sleeve Solid Zipper 2 Pieces Outfits for Men

📈 Key Highlights & Analysis:

* Record Breaking: The 64.66% turnout surpasses the previous high of 62.57% recorded in the 2000 Assembly election, indicating an unprecedented level of voter enthusiasm and participation.

* Peaceful Process: Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Singh Gunjiyal confirmed that polling concluded smoothly and peacefully, with security forces effectively managing the exercise across 45,341 polling stations.

* ECI Initiatives Commended: The Election Commission highlighted several new initiatives contributing to the success, including live webcasting from 100% of all polling stations for the first time in Bihar, which was closely monitored by CEC Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commissioners.ಇದನ್ನು ಓದಿ; PM Modi Hails 'Vande Mataram' on 150th Anniversary, to Lead Mass Recital in Delhi

* International Recognition: The polls were also witnessed by 16 delegates from six countries as part of the International Election Visitors' Programme (IEVP), who praised the Bihar elections for being "one of the most well-organised, transparent, efficient and participative elections."

* Political Reactions: The unusually high turnout has triggered immediate political debate:

* NDA (ruling alliance) leaders expressed confidence, asserting that the surge reflects the public's faith in development and the current government's leadership.

* Mahagathbandhan (Opposition alliance) leaders, including Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor, interpreted the high turnout as a definitive indicator of an "imminent change" in the state's political landscape.

🗓️ What's Next?

The fate of 1,314 candidates, including prominent figures like Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, and Opposition leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, has been sealed in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

* Phase II Voting: Scheduled for November 11.

* Counting of Votes: The final results will be declared on November 14.