The Election Commission of India (ECI) is inching closer to announcing the schedule for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, with final preparations underway and a high-level visit by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar slated for next week. The announcement is expected shortly after the publication of the final electoral roll on September 30, aligning with the Commission’s customary timeline for poll declarations.
The current Assembly’s term ends on November 22, 2025, and the election process must be completed before that date. Sources indicate that voting is likely to be held in three phases between November 5 and November 15, following the Chhath Puja festivities observed from October 25 to 28.
Key Highlights From The Election Commission’s Update
- Final electoral roll for Bihar to be published on September 30
- Chief Election Commissioner to visit Bihar next week for poll preparedness review
- Election dates likely to be announced in the first week of October
- Voting expected in three phases between November 5 and 15
- Assembly term ends on November 22, necessitating timely completion of polls
Electoral Roll Revision And Political Controversy
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls conducted by the ECI has sparked political debate, with opposition parties alleging that the exercise was aimed at disenfranchising genuine voters. The INDIA bloc, comprising the Rashtriya Janata Dal, Congress, and Left parties, has accused the Commission of bias, citing the removal of over 65 lakh names from the draft roll.
The ECI has denied these allegations, stating that the revision was conducted in accordance with established procedures. A plea filed in the Supreme Court led to relaxations in documentation requirements and a warning that the entire exercise could be invalidated if irregularities are found.
CEC’s Visit And Timeline For Announcement
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s upcoming visit to Bihar is expected to coincide with the finalization of the voter list. Traditionally, the ECI announces election dates within a week of the CEC’s review and the publication of the final roll. This places the likely announcement window in the first week of October.
The visit will include meetings with district magistrates, police officials, and election officers to assess logistics, security arrangements, and voter outreach programs. The Commission is also expected to review the deployment of electronic voting machines and voter verifiable paper audit trails.
Expected Poll Phases And Historical Context
If past patterns hold, the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 will be conducted in three phases:
- Phase 1: Expected around November 5
- Phase 2: Likely by November 10
- Phase 3: Final round by November 15
In 2020, the elections were held in three phases on October 28, November 3, and November 7, with results declared on November 10. The multi-phase format helps manage logistics across Bihar’s 243 constituencies and ensures adequate security coverage.
Political Landscape And Stakes
The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP and Janata Dal (United), is seeking another term under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The Opposition INDIA bloc, spearheaded by the RJD and Congress, is aiming to unseat the NDA by consolidating anti-incumbency sentiment and mobilizing youth and rural voters.
Currently, the NDA holds 131 seats in the Assembly, while the INDIA bloc controls 111. The upcoming elections are expected to be fiercely contested, with both camps ramping up outreach and candidate selection.
Looking Ahead
With the final voter roll set for release and the CEC’s visit imminent, Bihar is on the brink of entering full election mode. The formal announcement of dates will trigger the Model Code of Conduct and set the stage for a high-stakes political battle.
Voters, candidates, and observers alike are now watching the first week of October for the Election Commission’s official declaration.
Sources: Moneycontrol, India Today, News24 Hindi.
