The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially announced the schedule for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025.
The polls will be conducted in two phases—on November 6 and November 11—with results to be declared on November 14. The term of the current 243-member assembly ends on November 22.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, during a press conference, revealed a suite of 17 new initiatives aimed at enhancing transparency, accessibility, and efficiency in the electoral process. These include the launch of the ECINet app, redesigned EVMs with colored candidate photos and bold serial numbers, and senior-friendly polling booths equipped with wheelchair access.
Bihar boasts 7.42 crore registered voters, including 14 lakh first-time voters. The voter list underwent a rigorous Special Intensive Revision (SIR), marking the first major cleansing in 22 years. The final list was published on September 30, though citizens can still file objections.
The political landscape is heating up, with major alliances like the JD(U)-BJP and the opposition Mahagathbandhan (RJD-Congress) preparing for a high-stakes contest. Parties have begun releasing candidate lists and negotiating seat shares, while comparisons between Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and global leaders like Joe Biden have stirred public discourse.
The ECI emphasized zero tolerance for election-related violence and urged all parties to appoint polling and counting agents to ensure transparency. With these reforms, Bihar’s election is poised to set a benchmark for future polls across India.
