RJD alleges rigging as key leaders cast their votes.
The first phase of the Bihar assembly elections 2025 began on Thursday, with 27.65 per cent voter turnout recorded across 18 districts by 11 am. However, the polling day was quickly marked by controversy as the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) raised serious allegations against the polling process.
In a post on X, the RJD claimed that voting was being intentionally slowed down. The party alleged that electricity was being cut intermittently at polling booths in strongholds of the Mahagathbandhan (opposition alliance). The RJD labelled these actions as "rigging with 'malicious intent'" and urged the Election Commission to take immediate action.
Despite the allegations, voting continued across 121 constituencies. High-profile leaders from both the ruling NDA and the opposition alliance were seen casting their ballots. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar voted at a polling station in Bakhtiyarpur. Separately, RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, and their son, Mahagathbandhan's Chief Ministerial face Tejashwi Yadav, cast their votes in Patna.
Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha also exercised their franchise in Tarapur and Lakhisarai, respectively.
While Patna district reported a relatively slow turnout of 23.71 per cent by 11 am, Begusarai saw the highest polling at 30.37 per cent.
A significant and heart-warming story emerged from Munger district, where residents of the Naxal-affected Bhimband area were able to vote after 20 years. Locals expressed immense joy and relief, stating that the situation has improved significantly since 2005.
"We are feeling very good... Earlier, the situation was not favourable... Now, there is no fear," one villager said, highlighting the peaceful atmosphere and convenience of the new polling booth. Another resident, Neelam Kumari, thanked the Election Commission, noting she no longer had to cross a jungle to vote.
Polling for the Bihar election phase 1 is set to conclude at 6 pm, though timings have been shortened in some sensitive areas for security reasons.
