Bihar Assembly Election 2025 Dates Announced
The Election Commission of India has officially announced the dates for the Bihar Assembly Election 2025, setting the stage for a high-stakes political battle. The polls will take place in two phases—on November 6 and November 11, while the results will be declared on November 14. The announcement followed a detailed two-day review meeting in Patna with political parties and administrative officials to ensure transparent and peaceful voting.
Nitish Kumar vs Tejashwi Yadav: The Big Battle
This year’s Bihar election is shaping up to be a direct face-off between Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s NDA and Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD-led Mahagathbandhan. The current 243-member assembly has 131 NDA seats and 111 seats held by the opposition alliance. With both camps intensifying their outreach, the state is witnessing rising political activity as leaders crisscross constituencies to rally voter support ahead of the November polls.
Election Commission Introduces 17 New Initiatives
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar unveiled 17 new initiatives aimed at modernizing and streamlining the election process in Bihar. These include better voter list management, improved staff welfare, and 100% webcasting at every polling booth. The Commission has also doubled remuneration for BLOs, polling staff, and CAPF personnel, ensuring fair compensation and greater transparency during the conduct and counting of votes.
Focus on Voter Convenience and Transparency
In a first, the Election Commission will provide mobile phone deposit counters outside polling stations and display color photographs of candidates on EVMs to help voters make informed choices. ERO and AERO officials will also receive honorariums for their efforts. These reforms aim to make voting more efficient, transparent, and voter-friendly, marking a significant leap in Bihar’s election management after two decades of outdated systems.
Parties Urge Polls After Chhath Puja
During the ECI’s review visit, major political parties including BJP, JD(U), RJD, Congress, CPI(M), CPI(ML), BSP, and AAP suggested holding elections after Bihar’s biggest festival, Chhath Puja. JD(U) chief Umesh Singh Kushwaha requested a single-phase poll to enable migrant voters to participate, while BJP leader Dilip Jaiswal emphasized deploying paramilitary forces in sensitive areas to ensure smooth and secure polling.
Final Voter List and Political Scenario
According to the final voter list released on September 30, Bihar now has 7.42 crore registered voters, a slight drop from 7.89 crore in June. The NDA currently holds 131 seats—BJP 80, JD(U) 45, HAM(S) 4, and 2 Independents—while the Mahagathbandhan controls 111 seats including RJD 77, Congress 19, and Left parties 15. As campaign fever grips the state, both alliances are strategizing hard to secure a decisive victory.
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