Bihar Assembly Elections 2025: Two-Phase Polls on November 6 and 11, Results on November 14

Patna: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday announced that Bihar will go to the polls in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results to be declared on November 14. The upcoming election is expected to be a fiercely contested battle, setting the stage for a major political showdown in the state.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, flanked by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, unveiled the poll schedule during a press briefing. Describing the Bihar Assembly elections as “the mother of all elections,” the ECI revealed that nearly 8.5 lakh officials will be deployed to ensure smooth and transparent polling.

The tenure of the 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly expires on November 22. Political parties had earlier requested that polling be conducted after the Chhath festival, which concludes in late October, to maximize voter participation—particularly as many Biharis employed outside the state return home for the festivities. The last assembly elections in 2020 were held in three phases amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Political Reactions: Calls for Change and Confidence in Governance

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, asserting that Bihar needs a leader who “roars like a lion” rather than one who “pleads.” Speaking to ANI, Yadav said, “The people of Bihar want change. They want a Mahagathbandhan government this time. For 20 years, they have endured crime, corruption, bureaucracy, tyranny, and scams. The people are done with this.”

Following the announcement, Yadav urged citizens to vote decisively for transformation. Posting on X, he wrote, “Whenever the pages of history are turned, this date will shine in golden letters as the beginning of Bihar’s bright future, transformation, and rise. Every Bihari must come together to form a Mahagathbandhan government.”

On the other side, BJP national president JP Nadda welcomed the ECI’s announcement, calling elections “the greatest festival of democracy.” He said, “They are the means to keep our state and nation on the path of development and good governance. I am confident that the people of Bihar, the cradle of democracy, will bless the BJP and NDA with overwhelming support.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Under the leadership of Modi Ji, the NDA government has pulled Bihar out of Jungle Raj and set it on a path of development. The state is witnessing historic changes across welfare, infrastructure, health, and education sectors.”

Union Minister Giriraj Singh also expressed optimism, predicting a decisive NDA victory with “over two-thirds of the votes.”

Election Commission Introduces New Voter-Friendly Measures

In a major step toward enhancing voter services, the ECI announced a new facility allowing voters to directly connect with their Booth Level Officers (BLOs). This feature is available through the ECINet app, the Voter Helpline (1950), and the Voter Service Portal.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar further stated that anganwadi workers will assist in voter identification at booths, particularly for those wearing burqas, in accordance with official guidelines.

He also revealed that 69 lakh names have been removed from the electoral rolls due to deaths, duplication, migration, or ineligibility, and noted that the Commission is closely monitoring social media regulation to curb misinformation during the poll period.

Kumar added that a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise is currently underway nationwide, with updated details to be announced soon.

The ECI also announced that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will now display coloured photographs of candidates alongside their party symbols, with names and serial numbers printed in bold to ensure greater clarity for voters.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla praised the Commission’s decision to conduct the polls in just two phases, calling it “a reflection of the vast improvement in Bihar’s law and order situation.”

As Bihar prepares for a high-voltage electoral contest, both the ruling NDA and the opposition Mahagathbandhan are gearing up for what promises to be one of the most closely watched state elections in recent years. With reforms in voter accessibility, enhanced transparency measures, and renewed political energy on all sides, the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections are set to be a defining chapter in the state’s political narrative.