New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to announce the schedule for the Bihar Assembly elections at a press conference at 4 pm today (October 6). This announcement follows a two-day review of election preparedness in the state, during which the ECI consulted with political parties and enforcement agencies to ensure free, fair, and smooth elections.
The 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly is scheduled to complete its term on November 22, 2025, setting the deadline for the upcoming polls.
The elections are expected to be primarily a direct contest between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and the Mahagathbandhan, headed by Tejashwi Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).
In the previous 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, voting took place in three phases. After the results, the NDA formed the state government, with Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister. However, Bihar politics has seen frequent shifts: in August 2022, the JD(U) snapped ties with the NDA and formed a government with the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, only to realign with the BJP-led NDA in January 2024.
Ahead of the upcoming polls, the ECI held meetings with representatives of major national and state parties, including AAP, BSP, BJP, CPI(M), Congress, NPP, CPI(ML), JD(U), LJP, RJD, and RLJP. Political parties suggested holding elections immediately after the Chhath festival, celebrated at the end of October, to ensure greater voter participation, as many workers return home during the festivities.
Earlier on Sunday, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar highlighted that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process has “purified” Bihar’s voter list for the first time in 22 years. He also noted that new initiatives are being introduced to enhance transparency, efficiency, and voter convenience, many of which are expected to be replicated nationwide.
Kumar also detailed several measures being implemented for the 243-seat Bihar Assembly, including provisions for polling efficiency and fairness. Of these constituencies, 38 are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and two for Scheduled Tribes (STs).
The ECI’s proactive measures and consultations with political parties underscore its commitment to conducting credible and inclusive elections in Bihar, ensuring that every eligible voter can exercise their franchise in a transparent and well-monitored process.
