Bihar Assembly election: second phase campaign ends, polling in 122 seats on November 11

The Editorial Team of Behind The Headlines reports that the campaign for the second phase of the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly election has ended, with polling scheduled in 122 assembly constituencies on November 11. The campaign spree across 20 districts of Bihar has given way to the silence of the model code of conduct as voters prepare to cast their ballots. With the first phase already complete, the stakes are high for both the ruling and opposition blocs in the remaining seats.

Details / Background

The second phase of Bihar’s assembly election covers 122 out of the total 243 seats.
These seats span 20 districts, including areas such as the Seemanchal region, Mithila, the Kosi belt, Magadh and western Bihar.
Campaigning officially concluded on the evening of November 9, after which political parties and candidates are barred from further outreach under the election code.
In the first phase, held on November 6 for 121 seats, voter turnout was reported around 65 % — a record for the state.

Analysis

This phase of the election is critical because it could determine which alliance secures the majority and forms the government. With the remaining 122 seats, a bloc needs at least 122 seats to secure a simple majority.
The high turnout in the first phase underscores the mobilization of voters, which means the second phase may not just be a repeat but could reflect shifting dynamics — especially in regions such as Mithila and Seemanchal which were strongholds of the ruling alliance in previous elections.

Security arrangements and border controls are also tighter: for example, certain India-Nepal border points were closed ahead of polling day to avoid cross-border influence.

For parties, the end of campaigning is the beginning of anticipation: expecting turnout surges, last-minute voter sentiment changes, and regional micro-factors such as caste, local issues and candidate reputation to play a role.

Reactions / Statements

Leaders from both major alliances stepped up their appeals in the final hours before campaigning ended. The Bharatiya Janata Party-led alliance projected confidence in retaining power, while the Rashtriya Janata Dal and its partners emphasised change.
One senior party spokesperson said the campaign ending simply marks the start of results watching — “now it is the people’s turn”. Others cautioned their rank-and-file to avoid any post-campaign violations of the model code of conduct.
Election officials noted that the ground mood appears intense but orderly, and that last-minute checks are being ramped up at polling stations to ensure smooth conduct.

Bigger Picture / Future Impact

The outcome of these 122 seats will shape Bihar’s next government and potentially influence the national political narrative. If the ruling alliance holds on or expands its margin, it will reinforce its developmental messaging and momentum. If the opposition succeeds in making gains, it could signal a shift in voter sentiment and strategies ahead of other key state elections.
Beyond the result, lessons from this campaign-and-poll window will matter: how electoral mobilisation, regional issues and turnout patterns played out. The integration of smaller regional parties, voter behaviour changes (especially among women and youth) and the efficacy of governance-vs-identity narratives will be dissected for months.
Moreover, since this is the final phase of the Bihar election, the counting on November 14 will carry significance not just for the state but for how political alliances recalibrate at the national level.

Conclusion

The Editorial Team of Behind The Headlines observes that with campaigning now over and polling set for November 11 across 122 seats, Bihar enters its final decisive stretch. The political stakes are high, and after weeks of fervent rallies and promises, the scene is shifting to the quiet value of the ballot. As voters prepare, the countdown to results also begins — and the outcome may well echo beyond the borders of the state.

Internal Links

• Behind The Headlines – “How Bihar’s First Phase of Voting Set a New Turnout Record”
• Behind The Headlines – “Regional Dynamics in Indian State Elections: What’s Changing in 2025?”
• Behind The Headlines – “Caste, Identity and Development: Understanding Bihar’s Electoral Landscape”