New Delhi: The Election Commission set a two-phase Bihar assembly election on November 6 and November 11, with results on November 14. Officials announced the plan at 4 pm on Monday, completing the electoral cycle in 40 days.
The choice of two phases follows requests from several parties to avoid Diwali and Chhath. Consequently, Phase 1 will be held eight days after Chhath. BJP and RJD sought two phases. However, JD(U) proposed a single phase. Officials said the final schedule balances logistics, security, and festival timing.
Bihar assembly election timeline shortens compared with prior cycles
The 2025 cycle is shorter than the last three. In 2010, the process extended for 61 days. In 2015, it took 60 days. In 2020, polling ran across three phases from October 20 to November 7, with results on November 10. Therefore, the new plan marks a further contraction to 40 days.
Bihar’s electorate totals about 7.42 crore. Additionally, 14 lakh citizens will vote for the first time. The Commission reported 14,000 electors aged 100 years or more. Moreover, citizens who cannot reach a booth may use Form 12D to vote from home. Voters may also carry mobile phones into booths, subject to enforcement rules.
The Commission simultaneously announced bypolls for eight assembly seats across seven states on November 11, with counting on November 14. The seats include Budgam and Nagrota in Jammu & Kashmir; Anta in Rajasthan; Ghatsila (ST) in Jharkhand; Jubilee Hills in Telangana; Tarn Taran in Punjab; Dampa in Mizoram; and Nuapada in Odisha.
Two Jammu & Kashmir vacancies date to late 2024. Budgam fell vacant on October 21, 2024, when Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chose to retain Ganderbal after the assembly polls. Nagrota fell vacant on October 31, 2024, following the death of MLA Devender Singh Rana.
Next steps include notifications, nominations, scrutiny, and withdrawals. Meanwhile, the Model Code of Conduct will guide public events and communications. Furthermore, the Commission urged electors to verify entries, update details, and prepare documents ahead of polling days.
Ultimately, the two-phase plan aims to deliver a timely, orderly, and festival-sensitive election. On November 14, the verdict will define the next Assembly.
