Bihar Assembly Elections: Bihar Assembly elections are expected to take place between November 5-15, following Chhath Puja celebrations on October 28, according to sources familiar with the Election Commission’s planning.
Bihar Assembly Elections to start this Nov. – says sources
The current Assembly’s term expires November 22, 2025, requiring the Election Commission to complete the electoral process before that deadline. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar will visit the state next week to review election preparations and assess the final voter list, scheduled for publication September 30.
The electoral process has been overshadowed by controversy surrounding the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision exercise, which resulted in deletion of 65 lakh names from the draft voter roll. The INDIA bloc has criticized the poll body, alleging the revision process serves as cover for removing legitimate voters from electoral rolls.
The Supreme Court has issued a stern warning regarding potential irregularities, stating it would invalidate the entire process even after the final voter list’s publication if any illegality is discovered.
Previous Phases in Bihar Polls
Bihar traditionally conducts multi-phase polling due to its size and complexity. The 2020 elections occurred across three phases: 71 constituencies voted October 28, 94 on November 3, and 78 on November 7, with results declared November 10.
The 2015 elections required five phases, indicating varying logistical demands.
Bihar 2025 will be NDA vs INDIA Bloc
The upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections will pit the ruling National Democratic Alliance against the opposition INDIA bloc. The NDA, comprising BJP, Janata Dal (United), and Lok Janshakti Party (Ramvilas), seeks another term under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s leadership. The opposition coalition, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal with Congress and Left parties, aims to unseat the current government.
Current assembly composition favors the NDA with 131 members in the 243-seat House. The BJP holds 80 seats, JD(U) 45, Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) 4, with support from 2 Independents. The INDIA bloc controls 111 seats, distributed among RJD (77), Congress (19), CPI(ML) (11), CPI(M) (2), and CPI (2).
The Bihar Assembly Elections assume significance beyond Bihar’s borders, potentially influencing national political dynamics ahead of future federal polls. Both alliances have begun intensifying campaign preparations, with voter registration controversies adding complexity to an already charged political atmosphere.
The final voter list publication will likely trigger intensified political activity as parties finalize candidate selections and campaign strategies for what promises to be a closely contested electoral battle.
