Key Takeaways

  • In Bihar, women voters have finally surpassed men in voting percentage after 59 years.
  • The 2020 Assembly elections recorded 59.69% female turnout, higher than 54.45% male turnout.
  • Female participation in elections has steadily risen since 1962, marking a historic shift in voter demographics.
  • Despite their growing political engagement, women still remain underrepresented in star campaigner lists.

Women Lead the Ballot Box Revolution in Bihar

For the first time in nearly six decades, women voters in Bihar have overtaken men in electoral participation. According to Election Commission data, the 2020 Bihar Assembly Elections saw 59.69% women voters, surpassing male turnout of 54.45%.

This marks a defining moment in Bihar’s democratic journey — one that underscores women’s increasing role in shaping the state’s political future.

The 59-Year Journey: From 1962 to 2020

Bihar’s voter history reflects a long path toward gender parity at the polling booth. When the first Assembly elections were held in 1957, the total turnout stood at 41.32%, with women’s participation far below men’s.

The 1962 elections recorded 42.94% female turnout, a modest beginning that slowly evolved over decades.

Here’s how women’s participation grew over time:

  • 1972: Female turnout at 52.79%
  • 1980: Women voting increased to 57.28%
  • 1990: Female participation was 53.25%, while men voted at 69.63%
  • 2000: Female turnout improved to 53.28%
  • 2010: Women crossed 54.49%
  • 2015: Female turnout surged to 56.66%
  • 2020: Women finally led with 59.69%, overtaking men’s 54.45%

Election Commission data shows a steady rise since the 1990s, coinciding with expanding education, migration of male laborers, and the growing influence of women-centric welfare programs.

Why Women Are Voting More

Experts attribute this trend to multiple socio-economic and political shifts:

  1. Increased awareness due to literacy and local governance participation under Panchayati Raj.
  2. Migration of male workers to urban areas, leaving women to lead households — and hence, political decision-making.
  3. Targeted welfare schemes for women (like free LPG, healthcare, and education initiatives) boosting their sense of empowerment.
  4. Safer voting environments ensured by improved booth management and security.

These factors combined have transformed women into decisive electoral stakeholders in Bihar.

Gender Gap in Political Representation Persists

While women have outvoted men, they continue to face underrepresentation in campaign and leadership roles.

In the 2020 Assembly elections, less than 10% of star campaigners from major political parties were women. Even though their voting influence has doubled over the last two decades, their presence in leadership remains marginal.

Out of hundreds of listed campaigners, only 25 were women, reflecting a major imbalance. This gender disparity in political representation highlights a persistent gap between voter participation and power distribution.

“Half the Population, Yet Half Absent from the Stage”

Analysts point out that women form nearly 50% of Bihar’s electorate, yet they remain “on the margins of political visibility.” Parties are quick to celebrate women’s voter turnout, but reluctant to include them prominently in strategy and decision-making.

The Election Commission’s voter engagement reports have consistently shown that female turnout exceeds 62% in some constituencies, yet their leadership participation remains below 15%.

Did You Know?

During the 1990 Bihar elections, men’s turnout was 69.63%, while women’s was only 53.25% — a gap of over 16 percentage points. In 2020, this reversed completely, with women ahead by over 5%.

Conclusion

The 2020 Bihar Assembly Elections mark a turning point in India’s democratic evolution — where women not only matched but surpassed men in political participation. This historic moment signifies more than numbers; it reflects empowerment, awareness, and the quiet assertion of political will by millions of women across Bihar.

However, the journey toward true equality continues. Women may now lead at the ballot box — but it’s time political leadership caught up.

FAQs

When did women voters surpass men in Bihar’s elections?

Women overtook men in voter turnout for the first time during the 2020 Bihar Assembly Elections, after nearly 59 years.

What was the female voting percentage in 2020?

The female voter turnout was 59.69%, compared to 54.45% for men.

What factors led to higher female participation?

Improved literacy, male migration, welfare schemes, and safe polling environments contributed significantly.

Are women equally represented in political campaigns?

No. Despite their high turnout, women make up less than 10% of star campaigners in major parties.

What was the voter turnout in Bihar’s first Assembly elections?

In 1957, Bihar recorded a 41.32% turnout, with men voting in far higher numbers than women.

References

  • Election Commission of India. (2025). Historical Voting Trends in Bihar Assembly Elections.
  • State Election Data Archive (1957–2020).
  • Hindustan (Muzaffarpur Edition), October 19, 2025.