The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, setting the stage for what is expected to be one of the most fiercely contested political battles in recent memory. The elections will be conducted in two phases — on November 6 and November 11, while the counting of votes will take place on November 14.
This announcement comes as political activity intensifies across Bihar, with all major parties already in campaign mode. The state, which has a total of 243 assembly constituencies, will see a direct face-off between the BJP–Nitish Kumar-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Congress–Rashtriya Janata Dal-led INDI Alliance. Adding a new dimension to the contest, political strategist Prashant Kishor Jan Suraaj Party is all set to make its debut by fielding candidates in all constituencies.
The 2025 Bihar polls hold immense political significance, not only for the state but also for national politics, as Bihar remains a key player in shaping the political narrative in northern India.
The Election Commission has made extensive preparations to ensure that the electoral process is smooth, transparent, and inclusive. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced that voting will be held in two phases to ensure proper deployment of security and administrative resources.
Here’s a detailed look at the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 — by the numbers:
- First Phase of Polling: November 6
- Second Phase of Polling: November 11
- Counting of Votes: November 14
- Total Constituencies: 243
- General Seats: 203
- Scheduled Caste (SC) Seats: 38
- Scheduled Tribe (ST) Seats: 2
- Total Voters: Over 7.43 crore
- Men: 3.92 crore
- Women: 3.5 crore
- First-Time Voters: 14 lakh
- Voters Above 100 Years of Age: 14,000
- Polling Stations: 90,712
- Patrolled by Horses: 250
- Accessible Only by Boat: 197
- Observers:
- General Observers: 243 (one for each constituency)
- Police Observers: 38
The Election Commission also highlighted its efforts to make polling accessible and secure. In flood-prone areas and remote regions, officials will use boats to reach voters, while horse patrols will cover certain rural zones for added security. Special provisions have been made for senior citizens and differently-abled voters to ensure inclusive participation.
Women voters are set to play a crucial role once again, accounting for nearly half of the total electorate. In the 2020 elections, female voter turnout had surpassed male participation in several districts — a trend the Election Commission hopes will continue this year.
This election marks a defining moment for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who rejoined the NDA after briefly aligning with the Mahagathbandhan in 2022. The NDA currently includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Janata Dal (United), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and other smaller partners. Together, they will face the RJD-Congress-Left alliance under the banner of the INDI bloc, led by Tejashwi Yadav.
Meanwhile, Prashant Kishor Jan Suraaj Party is emerging as a new force, contesting all 243 seats. Kishor, who once designed election strategies for several national leaders, has spent the past two years building grassroots networks across Bihar, promising “politics of development, not division.” His entry could disrupt traditional vote banks and alter electoral dynamics in key constituencies.
The 2020 Bihar Assembly elections were held in three phases amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The NDA secured a narrow victory with 131 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan bagged 111. However, Nitish Kumar shifting alliances since then have changed the state political equations dramatically.
As Bihar heads toward another critical election, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The outcome will determine not only the state leadership but also the political momentum ahead of the 2026 general elections. With over 7.43 crore voters, 243 constituencies, and thousands of polling stations, Bihar democratic exercise remains one of the largest and most complex in India.
All eyes are now on November — when the state voters will once again decide the direction of Bihar political future.
