Bihar Gears Up for Crucial Second Phase of Assembly Elections
The democratic process in Bihar is set to continue as the state prepares for the second phase of the Bihar Assembly Election 2025 on November 11, 2025. This phase will be decisive, covering a substantial 122 assembly constituencies across 20 districts of the state. This follows a record-setting first phase that has set a high bar for voter participation.
Massive Electoral Exercise with Diverse Candidates
The scale of this phase is immense. A total of 1,302 candidates are in the fray, representing the vibrant democratic choice available to the electorate. Notably, 136 of these candidates, approximately 10%, are women, highlighting a significant level of female participation in the political arena. The election machinery is ready to facilitate this massive exercise through 45,399 polling centres, catering to a vast electorate of 3.7 crore eligible voters. This includes 1.95 crore male voters and 1.74 crore women voters.
Lost Your Voter ID? Here Are Your 12 Options to Cast Your Vote
A key concern for many voters is the possibility of having lost their Voter ID card. The Election Commission of India has proactively addressed this to ensure no eligible voter is turned away. Voters are required to carry only one of the 12 officially accepted photo identity documents to cast their ballot. This inclusive approach recognizes that not all citizens possess an Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC).
The complete list of valid documents is:
- Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC)
- Passport
- Driving licence
- MNREGA job card
- Health insurance smart-card issued under the Ministry of Labour
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Bank or post office passbook with a photograph
- Government employee ID card
- NPR Smart card
- Official identity proof issued to MPs, MLAs, or MLCs
- Ayushmaan Bharat health smart card
- UDID card (Unique ID for Persons with Disabilities)
In a significant development, the Supreme Court has directed the acceptance of the Aadhaar card as a valid document for identity proof in the electoral process. However, the court also clarified that Aadhaar alone does not constitute proof of citizenship.
Record Turnout in Phase 1 Sets the Stage
The first phase of voting, held on November 6, 2025 for 121 constituencies across 18 districts, concluded peacefully and set a new benchmark. According to the Election Commission of India, the voter turnout was a record-breaking 65.08%. The poll authority confirmed that the process was smooth, with no repolling recommended across the more than 45,000 polling stations used in the first phase.
The Final Countdown: Result Date
All eyes are now on the outcome. The counting of votes for both phases will be held on November 14, 2025. This day will determine the political future of Bihar and reveal which party or coalition will form the next state government. The high voter turnout indicates a keenly contested election, and the results are eagerly awaited.
