NATIONAL: Bihar to Vote in Two Phases Starting November 6
The Election Commission of India unveiled the much-awaited schedule for the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections on October 6, 2025, kicking off a high-stakes battle for the state’s 243 seats.
With the current assembly’s term wrapping up on November 22, these polls promise a fierce contest amid Bihar’s turbulent political history.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar led the announcement, emphasizing a smooth and inclusive process for all voters.
Polling Phases and Key Dates
Voters will head to the booths in two phases: the first on November 6, covering 121 constituencies, followed by 122 seats on November 11.
This streamlined approach contrasts with the three-phase rollout in 2020, aiming to balance logistics and voter turnout.
Counting of votes across all seats is set for November 14, just days before the deadline.
The timing avoids major festivals like Chhath and Diwali, a nod to local sentiments that could boost participation.
Bihar’s Rollercoaster Political Landscape
Bihar’s politics has long been defined by unlikely alliances and dramatic shifts.
In 2020, no single party clinched a majority, paving the way for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), comprising Janata Dal (United) and Bharatiya Janata Party, to form the government with Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister.
Yet stability proved elusive. By 2022, Kumar ditched the NDA to join the Mahagathbandhan with Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress, reclaiming the top post.
This pact crumbled in January 2024, when JDU realigned with NDA, marking Kumar’s fourth stint as CM and underscoring the fluid coalitions that shape the state.
Voter List Revisions and Open Door for Feedback
Addressing concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Kumar clarified the process’s transparency.
The draft list was shared with parties on August 1, inviting objections, before finalization on September 30.
Any lingering issues remain welcome, he assured, reflecting the commission’s commitment to fair play.
This follows earlier controversies, including claims of deletions that the ECI swiftly debunked.
Voter Stats and Voter-Friendly Measures
Bihar boasts 7.43 crore eligible voters, including 3.92 crore men and 3.50 crore women, with 14 lakh first-timers adding fresh energy.
To handle crowds, each of the 90,000 polling stations will accommodate up to 1,200 voters.
Innovations include color candidate photos on electronic voting machines for the first time, alongside full webcasting for oversight.
Mobile phone deposit facilities and clear EVM markings will ease verification, Kumar noted.
Simultaneous By-Elections Across States
In tandem, by-polls for eight assembly seats in seven regions will occur on November 11.
These fill vacancies in diverse areas, from Rajasthan’s all-listed seats to Ghatshila in Jharkhand and Jubilee Hills in Telangana.
- Tarn Taran (Punjab)
- Dampa (Mizoram)
- Naupada (Odisha)
- Budgam and Nagrota (Jammu and Kashmir UT)
This synchronized calendar highlights the ECI’s nationwide coordination.