Bihar: Polls for 2nd phase begin, PM Modi makes special appeal to first time voters

The second and final phase of the high-stakes 243-seat Bihar Assembly elections began at 7:00 am on Tuesday. Voting will take place across 122 constituencies of 20 districts. Following days of intense campaigning, the final round will shape the next government in the state. 

As the concluding phase begins, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a special appeal to the first-time voters in Bihar. He urged, "Today marks the second and final phase of voting in the Bihar assembly elections. I urge all voters to take part enthusiastically and set a new record for voter turnout. I make a special appeal to the young companions of our state who are voting for the first time: not only should they cast their votes, but they should also inspire others to do the same." 

बिहार विधानसभा चुनावों में आज दूसरे और अंतिम चरण की वोटिंग है। सभी मतदाताओं से मेरा निवेदन है कि वे इसमें बढ़-चढ़कर भागीदार बनें और मतदान का नया रिकॉर्ड बनाएं। पहली बार वोट देने जा रहे राज्य के अपने नौजवान साथियों से मेरा विशेष आग्रह है कि वे खुद तो मतदान करें ही, दूसरों को भी…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 11, 2025

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also urged people to exercise their democratic rights and prioritise voting above their other chores. Taking to X, he wrote, "In democracy, voting is not only our right, but also our duty. Today, voting for the second phase of the Bihar legislative assembly elections is taking place -- all voters are urged to exercise their voting rights without fail. Vote and inspire others to do as well. Vote first, then refreshments!" 

लोकतंत्र में मतदान केवल हमारा अधिकार ही नहीं, दायित्व भी है।
आज बिहार विधानसभा चुनाव के दूसरे चरण का मतदान हो रहा है — सभी मतदाताओं से आग्रह है कि अपने मताधिकार का प्रयोग अवश्य करें।

मतदान करें और दूसरों को भी प्रेरित करें।
पहले मतदान, फिर जलपान!

— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) November 11, 2025

The first phase of the Bihar elections has already concluded on November 6, logging a record voter turnout of 64.66%. Exit polls will soon follow as the second phase of voting ends on Tuesday after 6:30 pm.

In the 2020 assembly elections, the NDA secured 125 seats, forming the government as the BJP won 74, JD(U) won 74, and HAM won 4. While the Mahagathbandhan stood at 110, with RJD's 75, Congress's 19, CPI-ML at 12, and CPI and CPM winning 2 each.