New Delhi: The Election Commission announced the Bihar assembly election in two phases, with voting on November 6 and November 11 and counting on November 14. The schedule was revealed at a 4 pm press conference on Monday. The complete process—from announcement to results—will run 40 days.
Bihar has 243 seats and about 7.42 crore voters. Additionally, around 14 lakh citizens will vote for the first time. The Commission noted that 14,000 voters are above 100 years of age. Moreover, electors unable to reach polling stations may vote from home using Form 12D.
Parties had urged dates after Diwali and Chhath. Consequently, Phase 1 falls eight days after Chhath. Voters may carry mobile phones to the booth this time, subject to usual restrictions. However, all other standard procedures remain in force.
Bihar assembly election to be conducted in two phases after festivals
The Commission said Bihar will see a two-phase poll after 40 years. Earlier, the last two-phase assembly election in the state occurred in 1985. BJP and RJD supported a two-phase schedule. In contrast, JD(U) had suggested a single phase. Nevertheless, officials opted for two phases to manage logistics and festival calendars.
This year’s timeline is the shortest in recent cycles. In 2010, the process lasted 61 days. In 2015, it ran 60 days. In 2020, it spanned 47 days across three phases from October 20 to November 7, with results on November 10. Therefore, the present 40-day window marks a further contraction.
The Commission also announced bypolls for eight assembly seats across seven states. Voting will be held on November 11, with counting on November 14. The seats are 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.
In Jammu & Kashmir, Budgam has remained vacant since October 21, 2024. The seat fell vacant after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah retained Ganderbal following the 2024 assembly polls. Meanwhile, Nagrota fell vacant on October 31, 2024, after the death of MLA Devender Singh Rana.
Officials emphasised accessibility and accuracy. Therefore, the six-month upload mandate under other electoral platforms does not affect polling preparations. Instead, field teams will focus on roles, logistics, and security. Furthermore, the Commission urged citizens to verify details and use helplines for any corrections.
The roadmap now shifts to candidate notifications, nominations, scrutiny, and withdrawals. After that, the Model Code of Conduct will guide campaigns. Ultimately, voters will decide the composition of the 243-member House on November 6 and 11.
