Bihar, one of India’s most populous yet economically underdeveloped states, will hold its crucial assembly elections in the first week of November 2025.
While Bihar may be small in size compared to other Indian states, its significance in the nation’s governance and history is immense. Known for producing the highest number of government officials such as IAS and IPS officers who have played influential roles nationwide, Bihar’s elections always draw keen attention. This year’s polls, scheduled in two phases on 6 and 11 November with counting on 14 November, promise to be a decisive moment not just for the state but for India as a whole.
From Magadha to modernity
Around 2,600 years ago, the region now called Bihar was known as Magadha, emerging as a powerful kingdom by the 6th century BCE. By about 544 BCE, King Bimbisara founded the Haryanka dynasty and began expanding Magadha by annexing neighbouring kingdoms such as Anga. His reign lasted till around 492 BCE and was marked by economic prosperity, alliances, and the patronage of Buddhism and Jainism. His son Ajatashatru, ruling circa 492–460 BCE, continued this expansion by conquering Vaishali and Kosala, further consolidating power.
Magadha’s capital shifted from Rajagriha (modern Rajgir) to Pataliputra (modern Patna) around 460 BCE under Udayin, helping it become the administrative and strategic heart of the kingdom. By the 4th century BCE, the Nanda dynasty brought centralised authority and military dominance, setting the stage for the Mauryan Empire. Chandragupta Maurya, educated and guided by the renowned political strategist Chanakya, overthrew the Nanda monarch around 321 BCE and established India’s first vast empire, extending beyond Magadha’s original borders. Nearby Nalanda University, established centuries later in the 5th century CE, became a world-famous centre of learning, embodying the region’s enduring legacy as a hub of knowledge and power.
Population power and political stakes
Today, Bihar stands as the third most populous state in India, with over 120 million inhabitants crammed into its borders. It is marked by a youthful demographic, with millions eligible first-time voters who could shape the future political landscape. The population density and diverse caste, ethnic, and religious composition make Bihar’s electoral dynamics complex and significant, often reflecting broader national trends and issues.
The upcoming elections hold immense importance for India’s political future. Bihar has often been viewed as a political bellwether, where electoral outcomes can influence the central power balance. The state’s political configuration is dominated by alliances such as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the rival Mahagathbandhan coalition spearheaded by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). These elections could alter the trajectory of governance in Bihar and influence the strategies of national parties as they prepare for future general elections.
With over 74 million registered voters and more than 90,000 polling booths, strict election security measures are in place, with extensive deployment of Central Armed Police Forces and enhanced monitoring including webcasting at all stations to ensure free and fair polls. This election is thus seen as a test of India’s democratic strength and electoral management.
In essence, Bihar’s 2025 elections are not just about choosing representatives for 243 assembly constituencies; they are about shaping the destiny of a state with deep historical roots, a significant youthful population, and outsized influence in India’s polity. The story of Bihar’s past as Magadha and its future as a democratic powerhouse unfolds dramatically at polling booths this November, with millions casting votes that will ripple far beyond the state’s borders.
