Bihar, on Saturday June 28, 2025, became the first State in India’s history to allow voters to exercise their franchise by mobile phone during municipal by-elections
Published: November 12, 2025 9:34 AM IST
India, as the largest democracy in the world, conducts elections on multiple levels, starting from village panchayats to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Parliament. General elections encompassing over several million eligible voters in India constitute an enormous democratic exercise with electronic voting machines. Each election is watched closely not only for its outcome but also for what it indicates about the political trends in the country, the voting behavior of citizens, and the socio-economic conditions in India.
Within this large democratic system of the country, Bihar is a unique area. Bihar sends 40 members of the Lok Sabha and has 243 assembly constituencies. Therefore, it means it is one of the most important political areas in India.
In this large democratic context, Bihar occupies a distinct position. The state sends 40 members to the Lok Sabha and has 243 assembly constituencies to make it among the most politically relevant regions in India. An example of a swing state, its electoral outcomes regularly determine the overall direction of national elections. Political configurations of alliances, candidates, and voter turnout, along with caste and community identities in Bihar, routinely capture the attention of broader national political strategies. Bihar has had some of the most historic elections, which showcased election showdowns while substantially impacting the management of affairs within the state and the central government in Delhi.
Bihar, on Saturday June 28, 2025, became the first State in India’s history to allow voters to exercise their franchise by mobile phone during municipal by-elections. This voting process was conducted as part of the municipal by-elections in six Nagar Panchayats across the state. The elections took place in districts including Patna, Buxar, Rohtas, and East Champaran.
While voting proceeded through the standard means of electronic voting machines at all polling booths, some voters cast their ballots from the comfort of their own homes using a mobile phone app. This was made available for senior citizens, voters with disabilities and pregnant women, who may have difficulty getting to the polling place. Polling took place at 489 booths representing 538 candidates. Public were also allowed to vote using the State Election Commission website.
As per news agency PTI, State Election Commissioner Deepak Prasad said while 70.20 per cent of the eligible voters used the e-voting system, 54.63 per cent exercised their franchise by visiting polling booths.
“Bihar has made history today. Bibha Kumari, a resident of Pakridayal in East Champaran district, became the first person in the country to cast a vote via mobile phone during a local body election,” the State Election Commission posted on X.
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