The Election Commission of India (ECI) is all set to announce the schedule for the high-stakes Bihar Assembly elections at 4 PM today. The official announcement will be made from Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, the poll body confirmed in an official release earlier in the day.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has already indicated that elections for all 243 assembly seats in Bihar will be completed before November 22, when the current Assembly term ends. This announcement is expected to kick off an intense political season in the state, which has already seen heightened campaigning and alliances taking shape.
Several political parties have urged the Election Commission to schedule polling after Chhath Puja, one of Bihar most significant festivals celebrated at the end of October. Leaders argue that this would allow maximum participation as lakhs of migrant workers return home from other states during the festive period.
During a recent briefing, Gyanesh Kumar highlighted a few administrative updates for the upcoming elections. He said the number of voters per polling station has been capped at 1,200 to ensure smooth voting, while the ballot serial numbers and candidate photographs will now be printed in colour for better clarity.
Addressing concerns raised by the Opposition over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, the Chief Election Commissioner clarified that voter list revisions are conducted before every election and that reviewing them after polling “would not be in accordance with the law.”
Beginning his remarks in Bhojpuri, Kumar reached out directly to Bihar voters, saying, “We congratulate the voters of India. Thank you to everyone for the successful revision process. I appeal to all voters of Bihar to celebrate this festival of democracy with the same enthusiasm as Chhath. Everyone should vote and ensure their participation.”
The Bihar Assembly polls are set to witness a direct contest between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) — led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar — and the Mahagathbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The NDA currently holds 131 seats, comprising the BJP (80), JD(U) (45), HAM(S) (4), and two independents. On the other hand, the Opposition Mahagathbandhan holds 111 seats, including RJD (77), Congress (19), CPI(ML) (11), CPI(M) (2), and CPI (2).
Political activity in the state has intensified in recent weeks, with both camps conducting rallies, outreach programs, and sharp exchanges over governance, corruption, and development.
The 2020 Bihar Assembly elections were held in three phases amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The NDA had formed the government, and Nitish Kumar took oath as Chief Minister. However, in 2022, Kumar JD(U) broke away from the NDA and joined hands with the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, forming a new coalition government. In 2024, political equations shifted again as Nitish Kumar rejoined the NDA, setting the stage for yet another dramatic electoral battle in 2025.
With the Election Commission announcement due this evening, Bihar political landscape is set for a major shake-up. All eyes are now on the poll schedule — and on how the state key political alliances plan to secure the mandate in one of India most crucial elections of the year.
