The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially started the Bihar Assembly elections. The ECI announced the poll schedule on Monday, October 6, 2025. This sets the stage for a high-stakes political battle in the state. Voting will happen in two separate phases. The first phase is scheduled for November 6. The second phase will take place on November 11. Counting of all votes is set for November 14. The entire electoral process will conclude by November 16. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar made the announcement in New Delhi. This ends weeks of intense speculation about the poll schedule.
Key Election Dates and Model Code of Conduct
CEC Gyanesh Kumar called the Bihar elections the “Mother of All Elections“. He spoke about the state’s deep democratic traditions. He also mentioned several modern, voter-friendly innovations. The announcement immediately brings the Model Code of Conduct into force. This move formally signals the beginning of the electoral battle. The politically charged state is now ready for the campaign season.
Voter Demographics and Constituency Details
The election will decide the fate of candidates across 243 assembly constituencies. Over 7.43 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots. The state’s voter roll is significantly diverse. It includes 39.2 million men. There are also 35 million women voters. The list also records 1,725 transgender voters. Importantly, Bihar has 1.4 million first-time voters. There are also 450,000 elderly voters in the state. Forty seats are reserved for marginalized groups. Thirty-eight seats are for Scheduled Castes. Two seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes.
Polling Station Management and Access
Polling will be conducted at 90,712 polling stations. Each station will accommodate a maximum of 1,200 voters. This limit is set for efficient crowd management. There are 76,801 booths in the rural parts of Bihar. The urban centers will have 13,911 booths. The Election Commission is committed to inclusivity. It announced 1,044 all-women-managed polling booths. It will also set up 1,350 model booths across the state.
Modern Innovations for an Inclusive Election
The CEC highlighted 17 new practices for the Bihar elections. Several of these changes may be adopted nationwide later. These new initiatives focus on transparency and voter facilitation.
Ensuring Voter Privacy and Security
One notable change is the mobile phone rule. Designated spaces will be created for voters. They must deposit their mobile phones before voting. This is a measure to maintain privacy and transparency at the booths. The ECI will also use webcasting at all polling stations. This enhances oversight of the electoral process.
Voter-Friendly Facilities and Accessibility
Every booth will feature several improvements. These include dedicated polling volunteers and help desks. Voter facilitation centres will also be available at every location. The commission is prioritizing accessibility. All stations will be equipped with ramps and wheelchairs. Separate restrooms for men and women will also be provided. Furthermore, all polling stations will have drinking water, electricity, and sanitation facilities.
‘Vote from Home’ Option Introduced
A major innovation is the vote from home facility. Voters unable to visit booths can use this option. This includes people with disabilities or those of advanced age. They must fill out Form 12D to avail this service. This provision significantly boosts voter inclusivity.
Political Landscape: Alliances and Seat-Sharing Challenges
The ECI’s announcement has certainly energized the political atmosphere. However, major political alliances still face hurdles. They are yet to finalize their seat-sharing formulas. The coming weeks will be crucial for these negotiations.
The Ruling Alliance Dilemma
The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leads the government. It is headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United). The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is its main partner. The NDA has not yet officially declared its candidates. Senior BJP leaders are active in Patna. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is leading internal reviews and meetings. The alliance must quickly resolve all internal distribution issues.
The Opposition Grand Alliance
The opposition Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) is also negotiating. This alliance comprises the RJD, Congress, and VIP Party. They have not finalized their internal seat distribution. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav remains the probable face. He is the likely chief ministerial candidate for the alliance. His popularity will be a key factor.
Jan Suraaj Enters the Fray
The election also sees the independent entry of Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj. This group is positioning itself as a “people’s movement.” It avoids the label of a conventional political front. Jan Suraaj plans to contest independently. Its presence will make the contest a three-way fight. This further complicates the political equations for both major alliances.
The Festival of Democracy Meets Tradition
The election timing is just after Chhath Puja. This is Bihar’s most sacred festival. This timing carries significant symbolic and logistical weight. The religious festival of sunlight and faith will precede the festival of democracy. Millions of citizens will determine the state’s political fate. This unique confluence adds to the event’s gravity.
ECI as a Testing Ground for Innovation
The Election Commission has historically used Bihar’s elections as a testing ground. It is used for democratic innovation. This year shows enhanced commitment to reform. Polling stations are digitally mapped. There is enhanced accessibility across the state. Stricter oversight measures are also in place. The commission is aiming for a smoother and more inclusive process.
As Bihar prepares for this high-stakes electoral showdown, the intensity is rising. The coming weeks promise an intense contest of narratives and numbers. The fight will be between the forces of legacy and reform. It is a battle between power and promise. Above all, it is a contest between hope and history. The final results on November 14 will set Bihar’s future course.
