Election Commission to Reveal Crucial Bihar Poll Schedule at 4 PM Today

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is poised to reveal the schedule for the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly elections during a press briefing at 4 PM today from Vigyan Bhawan in the national capital. The announcement comes as the current 243-member assembly's term nears its end on November 22, setting the stage for a fiercely contested battle across the state's diverse constituencies. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has assured that polling will conclude well before the deadline, with the ECI incorporating feedback from political parties to optimise voter turnout and logistical efficiency.

The high-stakes polls, expected to unfold in two or three phases during late October or early November, have been a focal point of anticipation following the ECI's recent two-day review visit to Bihar on October 4-5. Kumar, addressing the media in Bhojpuri during a Sunday briefing in Patta, emphasised the successful completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which "purified" voter lists after 22 years. He capped voters per polling station at 1,200, introduced colour photos and fonts for candidate details on ballots, and urged Biharis to participate with the zeal of Chhath Puja celebrations.

Opposition parties, including the INDIA alliance, had raised concerns over potential voter exclusions in the SIR process, particularly for the state's 7.5 million migrant workers, but Kumar dismissed these as unfounded, reaffirming the exercise's legality.

Political fervour has intensified in Bihar, pitting the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA)—comprising Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) with 45 seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at 80, Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) with four, and two independents for a total of 131—against the Mahagathbandhan opposition coalition.

Led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) with 77 seats, alongside Congress (19), CPI(ML) (11), CPI(M) (2), and CPI (2), totalling 111, the contest promises a direct showdown. Parties have lobbied for polling post-Chhath Puja, ending October 28, to accommodate returning migrants and boost participation, a request the ECI appears to have factored in alongside Diwali timings.

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As campaigns ramp up with accusations flying between alliances, the elections underscore Bihar's pivotal role in national politics, marked by Nitish Kumar's alliance flips and emerging players like Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party. Security preparations include an initial deployment of 50,000 Central Armed Police Force personnel, while the ECI's innovations aim to enhance transparency. With over 7 crore electors, the outcome could reshape Bihar's governance and influence the 2027 Lok Sabha polls.

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