As Bihar enters the decisive final phase of its 2025 Assembly elections, a total of 1,302 candidates—including 12 sitting ministers—are contesting across 122 constituencies spread over 20 districts. The second and concluding phase of polling, scheduled for November 11, follows a record 65% voter turnout in the first phase held on November 6. With more than 3.7 crore voters expected to cast their ballots at 45,399 polling stations, the outcome will shape the future of key political figures and determine the balance of power in the state.
Among the high-profile candidates are six BJP ministers, including Prem Kumar (Gaya Town), Renu Devi (Bettiah), Nitish Mishra (Jhanjharpur), and Vijay Kumar Mandal (Munger), alongside state Congress chief Rajesh Ram and former Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi. The Grand Alliance parties are also engaged in friendly contests in 11 constituencies, adding complexity to the electoral landscape.
🧠 Key Highlights of Bihar’s Final Phase Polling
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Candidates | 1,302 |
| Ministers in Fray | 12 (including 6 from BJP) |
| Constituencies | 122 across 20 districts |
| Voter Base | Over 3.7 crore |
| Polling Stations | 45,399 |
| Date of Polling | November 11, 2025 |
| Phase | Second and Final |
| Result Declaration | November 14, 2025 |
Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Singh Gunjiyal confirmed that all logistical arrangements, including deployment of EVMs and VVPATs, are complete.
📊 Distribution of Key Candidates by Party
| Party Name | Ministers Contesting | Other Key Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| BJP | 6 | Sushil Modi, Vijay Mandal |
| JD(U) | 3 | Nitish Mishra |
| Congress | 2 | Rajesh Ram |
| RJD | 1 | Multiple former ministers |
| HAM(S) | — | Jitan Ram Manjhi |
| RLM | — | Upendra Kushwaha |
The phase is critical for smaller parties like HAM(S) and RLM, contesting their highest number of seats.
🗣️ Reactions from Political Leaders and Analysts
| Stakeholder | Commentary Summary |
|---|---|
| BJP Campaign Team | “We are confident of retaining our strongholds.” |
| RJD Spokesperson | “The Grand Alliance will surprise everyone.” |
| Election Analysts | “Friendly fights may impact vote consolidation.” |
| Voters | “We want development and accountability.” |
The final phase is expected to witness intense competition and strategic voting.
📈 Voter Turnout Trends – Phase 1 vs Phase 2
| Phase | Date | Turnout (%) | Districts Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Nov 6, 2025 | 65% | 18 districts |
| Phase 2 | Nov 11, 2025 | TBD | 20 districts |
Officials anticipate a similar or higher turnout in the second phase due to heightened awareness and mobilization.
📌 Strategic Battlegrounds in Final Phase
| Constituency | Key Contestants | Political Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Gaya Town | Prem Kumar (BJP) vs RJD challenger | BJP stronghold |
| Bettiah | Renu Devi (BJP) vs Congress candidate | Swing seat |
| Jhanjharpur | Nitish Mishra (JD(U)) vs RJD | Ministerial prestige at stake |
| Munger | Vijay Mandal (BJP) vs Independent | High-profile contest |
| Jehanabad | RJD vs JD(U) vs Congress | Triangular fight |
These seats are expected to play a decisive role in shaping the final tally.
📊 Gender and Age Profile of Candidates
| Category | Number of Candidates | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 112 | 8.6% |
| Youth (<35 yrs) | 278 | 21.3% |
| Senior (>60 yrs) | 96 | 7.4% |
The candidate pool reflects a mix of experience and youth, though women remain underrepresented.
📌 Conclusion
The final phase of Bihar’s 2025 Assembly elections is poised to be a political showdown of epic proportions. With 12 ministers, 1,302 candidates, and over 3.7 crore voters in play, the stakes couldn’t be higher. As parties brace for the verdict on November 14, the outcome will not only determine the composition of the next government but also signal the direction of Bihar’s political future.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available election data, official statements, and verified news reports. It is intended for informational and editorial purposes only and does not constitute political advice or endorsement.
