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Women Drive Record Bihar Turnout, Fueling NDA Landslide

Official data show 71.6% of women voted versus 62.8% of men, reflecting gains tied to Nitish Kumar’s women-centric governance.

Overview

  • Bihar’s overall turnout reached 66.91%, the highest since the state’s first election in 1951, according to the Election Commission of India.
  • Women outvoted men in both phases of polling, registering 69.04% in phase one and 74.03% in phase two, compared with 61.56% and 64.1% for men.
  • Female turnout rose from 59.69% in the 2020 assembly election to 71.6% in 2025, a surge widely cited as pivotal to the NDA’s sweeping victory.
  • Analysts point to long-term policies such as panchayati raj reservations and the Jeevika self-help group movement along with recently delivered benefits including Rs 10,000 assistance for women entrepreneurs.
  • Participation was especially high in several districts, with women’s turnout topping 80% in four areas and peaking at 88.57% in Kishanganj, though reporters caution against assuming uniform voting preferences among women.