Overview
- Turnout hit 65.08% across 121 seats in the first phase, the highest for a Bihar assembly vote since 1998, according to the Chief Electoral Officer.
- The Election Commission rejected RJD’s Hajipur strong‑room video as misleading, citing a brief display timeout on one CCTV screen and a van logged for security staff supplies entering and exiting under guard.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the NDA is on course to cross 160 seats, arguing that 60%‑plus voting indicates a strong mandate, a projection presented as his assessment.
- Field reports from Banka describe gaps in toilets, piped water and nearby colleges that constrain girls and women, contrasting with campaign claims of broad delivery.
- Allegations of inducements persist, including a claim that some rallygoers were paid Rs.500 and criticism of targeted transfers to women’s accounts; phase two voting is on November 11 with counting on November 14.