Bihar Assembly Polls: The Election Commission of India (ECI) today set the dates for the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections, with voting scheduled to take place in two phases. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced that the state will go to polls on November 6 and November 11, with the counting of votes and declaration of results slated for November 14. The term of the 243-member Bihar Assembly is due to expire on November 22.
Bihar Assembly Polls to begin this November
Addressing a press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Kumar emphasized the poll panel’s commitment to a fair electoral process. “The Election Commission wants to tell voters of Bihar that we will ensure elections are conducted transparently while maintaining law and order. The total number of electors is 7.43 crore, including around 14 lakh first-time voters,” he stated.
The election dates were scheduled after the completion of the popular Bihari festival, Chhath Puja, following requests from several political parties.
Key Contests and Alliances
The Bihar Assembly Polls are set to feature a multi-cornered contest between the two main political blocs. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is seeking to secure another term. Smaller NDA allies, including the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), are also expected to play a role after recently finalizing seat-sharing agreements.
Opposing the NDA is the Mahagathbandhan bloc, which comprises the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and Left parties. The opposition coalition has centered its campaign on issues of youth employment, social welfare, and caste-based inclusivity.
Preparations and Enhanced Security
Election authorities have intensified preparations, particularly in flood-affected and sensitive areas. CEC Kumar announced the advance deployment of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). Directives were issued for a strict “zero-tolerance” approach against poll-related violence during his recent visit to Bihar.
In a move to enhance transparency and accessibility, the ECI announced several “firsts.” For the upcoming polls, EVM ballots will display candidates’ photographs in colour and with larger fonts, replacing the previous black-and-white images. All polling stations will also be under full webcasting coverage. Furthermore, voters will be required to deposit mobile phones outside the polling booths.
