Bihar Election Phase 1 Voting Is Live: PM Modi’s Bhagalpur Charge, Opposition Denial, and What It Means Today

It is November 6, 2025, and voting is underway in Bihar. Phase 1 covers 121 of 243 seats, with more than 3.75 crore voters on the rolls. Over 10 lakh first-time voters are part of this round.

By 1 pm, turnout reached 42.31%. Lines grew through the afternoon after a slow start in parts of Patna. The day’s flashpoint came from Bhagalpur. PM Modi accused RJD and Congress of giving shelter to “infiltrators.” Both parties denied it and called it scare politics.

Here is a calm, factual guide to the live picture, what was said, the pushback, and what it could mean for voters by day’s end.

Bihar Election Phase 1 live updates: turnout, key seats, and how voting is going

Phase 1 is large and busy. 121 seats are voting today. 1,314 candidates are in the fray. Over 3.75 crore voters are eligible, including 10 lakh-plus first-time voters.

Polling runs from 7 am to 6 pm. In some sensitive areas such as Munger, Jamalpur, and Tarapur, voting ends at 5 pm for security. By 1 pm, turnout stood at 42.31%, with a softer morning in pockets like Patna and a clear pickup later in the day. You can follow live figures and field updates here for a broader view of the day’s flow: NDTV’s Phase 1 live updates.

High-profile names on the ballot include Tejashwi Yadav, Samrat Choudhary, Vijay Kumar Sinha, Tej Pratap Yadav, and Anant Singh. Crowds tend to thicken after lunch on Phase 1 days, and final turnout will come after polling closes.

What to watch by evening: final turnout trends, any official notes on incidents or re-polls if announced, and statements from top leaders setting the tone for Phase 2.

Snapshot at a glance: seats, voters, timings, and security curbs

121 of 243 seats voting today
This is the first of two phases, so nearly half the Assembly is on the ballot.
1,314 candidates contesting
A wide field means split local contests in many seats.
3.75 crore-plus voters on rolls
A large electorate across 18 districts shapes the day.
10 lakh-plus first-time voters
Young voters add energy and new choices to the mix.
Polling 7 am to 6 pm; in sensitive areas like Munger, Jamalpur, and Tarapur, voting ends at 5 pm for security
Some booths close earlier to keep movement smooth and safe.

Turnout so far: 42.31% by 1 pm, trends to watch

By 1 pm, 42.31% of eligible voters had voted. Morning queues were shorter in places like Patna, then got longer as the heat fell and people finished chores. A midday turnout shows how the pace builds, it does not predict results. The final figure will be higher, and it will only be clear after polling ends and officials publish their updates.

Big names on the ballot today and why they matter

Tejashwi Yadav
A top face in state politics, he draws attention for his leadership role and statewide rallies.
Samrat Choudhary
Seen as a central figure in this cycle, he shapes messaging across districts.
Vijay Kumar Sinha
Known for his presence in the House, his contests get wide coverage.
Tej Pratap Yadav
A known name with a loyal base, he often fuels high local turnout.
Anant Singh
A figure with a strong local identity, his races pull sharp media focus.

PM Modi accuses RJD-Congress in Bhagalpur: what was said and why it matters

The campaign pivot today came from Bhagalpur. PM Modi said RJD and Congress give shelter to “infiltrators,” and framed it as a national security issue tied to vote-bank politics. The line puts security at the center of the conversation during polling hours. Coverage from independent outlets captured the charge as it was made to the crowd in the Bhagalpur context: see reporting in Deccan Herald and a related roundup by The Times of India. For broader campaign framing from the same speech arc, see Economic Times.

The claim in simple words

The Prime Minister said the opposition shields people who entered India without permission. He linked this to votes, and said it harms national security.

He argued that such protection strains local jobs and resources. He urged voters to treat security as a top priority while they vote.

The message was direct, with a clear contrast on the ballot: security and order, set against what he called appeasement politics.

Why Bhagalpur is in focus today

The remark came in the Bhagalpur frame, so the district stands out in Phase 1 coverage. When a leading speech plants a charge in a local setting, it keeps the district in headlines through the day.

That kind of attention can also shape what local candidates talk about, from security to welfare to youth jobs.

What people mean by “infiltrators” in this debate

In plain words, the term refers to people who entered the country without legal permission. It is often used in political talk and carries strong emotions.

When such claims rise during voting hours, look for verified facts and official statements. Rely on trusted updates when assessing what the charge means for policy and law.

Opposition response, voter mood, and what to track next

RJD and Congress denied the claim. They called it false and said the ruling side is using fear instead of focusing on jobs, education, health care, and basic services. This sets up two frames for voters today, one around security, another around everyday needs.

Voters may weigh the price of safety, identity, and border control on one side, and the pull of work, schooling, and local growth on the other. Both are strong currents in a state election, especially when turnout is steady and young voters are active.

RJD and Congress reply: denial, fear claims, and a focus on issues

RJD called the charge a dirty trick meant to divide people.
Congress said the ruling side is spreading fear and hate, and should talk about jobs, schools, and growth.
Both urged voters to prize development, law, and welfare over flashpoint rhetoric.

How this row could shape votes in Phase 1

Strong claims can rally supporters, and they can also push undecided voters to pick a side. Security talk can energize people who rank order and borders first. Livelihood talk can pull those who want jobs, stable prices, and better services.

These currents often run side by side. They can firm up base voters, and they can harden opposition. The impact shows up in turnout patterns and the tone of late-evening speeches, not in instant shifts.

Dates and checkpoints: Phase 2 on Nov 11, results on Nov 14

Phase 2 voting is on November 11, for the remaining seats.
Counting is on November 14.
Watch for the final Phase 1 turnout tonight, any official notes on incidents, changes in stump speeches after today, and whether Bhagalpur remains a centerpiece in the next round. For context on how national leaders are framing the race during the voting window, you can also check the live flows here: NDTV’s Phase 1 live updates.

Conclusion

Phase 1 moved at a steady clip, with 42.31% turnout by 1 pm, and crowds building later. The core clash was clear, PM Modi’s Bhagalpur charge about “infiltrators” versus the opposition’s denial and push to talk jobs and development. As you follow the count of voters and the noise of speeches, stick to official updates, avoid rumors, and carry your voter ID if you are heading out.

The next milestones are November 11 and November 14. Civic patience, calm queues, and respect for every vote will decide the tone of this election.