Patna, October 6: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to announce the Bihar Assembly Election 2025 schedule at 4 PM today, following a two-day comprehensive review of poll preparedness in the state.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, held detailed meetings with state officials in Patna over the weekend to assess security arrangements, logistics, and law enforcement readiness.
“We are fully committed to conducting elections in Bihar that are transparent, inclusive, and peaceful,” said CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
Focus on Poll Preparedness and Fair Elections
The review covered all major aspects of election planning — from EVM management and polling station rationalisation to training of polling staff and voter awareness campaigns.
District Election Officers and Superintendents of Police have been directed to monitor social media closely to curb misinformation and ensure swift legal action when necessary.
Parties Urge Post-Chhath Puja Polls
Ahead of the announcement, the Commission met with representatives of major political parties — including the BJP, JD(U), RJD, Congress, CPI(ML), and AAP — to seek their inputs on the election schedule.
Most parties urged that voting be held after Chhath Puja, one of Bihar’s most important festivals, to ensure maximum voter turnout.
JD(U) Bihar president Umesh Singh Kushwaha requested single-phase polling immediately after the festival to facilitate participation of migrant voters returning home. The BJP echoed this, calling for one or two phases and paramilitary deployment in sensitive areas.
What to Expect in the Schedule
The final electoral roll, published on September 30, lists 7.42 crore registered voters. With the Special Intensive Revision completed ahead of schedule, the Commission is now ready to roll out the official election dates.
The previous Assembly elections in 2020 were held in three phases, marking India’s first major election during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This time, the contest is expected to be a direct face-off between the NDA, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and the Mahagathbandhan, spearheaded by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).
In the 243-member Bihar Assembly, the NDA currently holds 131 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan controls 111.
High-Stakes Political Battle Ahead
As Bihar braces for the official announcement, political activity is set to intensify across the state. Both alliances are preparing aggressive campaigns focused on development, employment, and law & order, the key issues that often shape Bihar’s political landscape.The election schedule announcement at 4 PM will officially set the stage for one of India’s most-watched state elections of 2025.
