The first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections concluded on Thursday with a provisional voter turnout of 64.46 percent across 121 constituencies, marking a significant increase from the 56.1 percent recorded in the 2020 elections. According to Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Singh Gunjiyal, this turnout is likely the highest in the state over the past three decades. Both the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Mahagathbandhan alliance swiftly claimed victory following the polls. Congress leader Pawan Khera expressed confidence in the Mahagathbandhan alliance forming the government, stating, ‘We are forming the next government with a clear majority, perhaps even more.’ Prashant Kishore, chief of the Jan Suraaj Party, interpreted the high turnout as a sign of imminent change, predicting a ‘new arrangement’ by the counting date. BJP candidate Sanjay Saraogi attributed the surge in voter enthusiasm to strong public support for the NDA, while Janata Dal (U) leader Neeraj Kumar credited the Bihar government’s Mahila Rozgar Yojana for mobilizing women, backward classes, and Dalit voters. The elections have highlighted Bihar’s demand for development and trust in current leadership, setting the stage for a highly anticipated outcome.