The Election Commission of India on Monday announced the schedule for the Bihar Assembly elections 2025, confirming that polling will be conducted in two phases — on 6 November and 11 November — while counting of votes will take place on 14 November.
The elections will decide the fate of 243 Assembly constituencies as the tenure of the current Bihar Legislative Assembly ends on 22 November 2025. The Commission said that the two-phase schedule was designed to ensure smooth conduct of the elections, given the state’s festive season around Diwali and Chhath, when large-scale public movement could otherwise affect voter turnout.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said that special measures are being taken to facilitate maximum voter participation and to maintain security across all polling stations. Central armed police forces, along with state law enforcement, will be deployed to ensure free and fair elections.
The first phase of voting on 6 November will cover 108 constituencies, while the second phase on 11 November will include the remaining 135 seats. Voter awareness campaigns are also being launched under the Commission’s “Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation” initiative to encourage high turnout, especially among first-time voters.
The Commission has directed district administrations to complete the randomisation of Electronic Voting Machines and to ensure the presence of observers in all sensitive and critical constituencies. Special arrangements will be made for elderly voters, persons with disabilities and those residing in remote regions.
Political activity in the state has gained momentum following the announcement. Leaders from major alliances — the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the INDIA bloc — have intensified their outreach programmes and strategy sessions. The ruling coalition expressed confidence in retaining power, citing its governance record and social welfare initiatives, while opposition parties have called the polls an opportunity for change.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party are expected to contest the election jointly under the NDA banner. The opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal, Congress and Left parties will form the core of the INDIA alliance. Political observers believe that local issues such as employment, infrastructure, law and order, and agrarian distress are likely to dominate the campaign narrative.
In his statement, the Chief Election Commissioner said that strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct is mandatory from the moment the election schedule is announced. He added that the use of digital platforms and social media will be closely monitored to prevent the spread of misinformation.
This will be the first major Assembly election since the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, making it a significant test of strength for both the ruling coalition and the opposition. Analysts expect an intense campaign marked by high-voltage rallies, door-to-door outreach and digital voter engagement.
With just over a month to go before polling begins, Bihar is set to enter a crucial political phase. The results, expected on 14 November, will determine the composition of the next state government and are likely to set the tone for regional politics ahead of the 2026 electoral calendar.
