Two-Phase Polls Announced
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday unveiled the schedule for the Bihar Assembly elections 2025. The state will witness polling in two phases, with voters casting their ballots on November 6 and November 11. The counting of votes has been scheduled for November 14, ensuring that the entire process is completed before the current assembly’s term ends on November 22.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar described the Bihar polls as “the mother of all elections,” highlighting the massive scale of the democratic exercise. He revealed that a total of 8.5 lakh polling officers will be deployed to ensure smooth and secure conduct of elections across 243 assembly constituencies.
Key Agendas: Unemployment, Migration, Special Status
As Bihar gears up for the electoral battle, pressing socio-economic issues are expected to dominate the campaign trail. Rising unemployment, the long-standing demand for special category status for the state, large-scale migration of youth seeking jobs outside Bihar, and debates over caste-based reservations are anticipated to be central talking points.
For the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and supported by allies such as BJP, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Chirag Paswan, and Upendra Kushwaha, the challenge lies in defending its governance record. On the other hand, the Opposition INDIA bloc is preparing to corner the government on joblessness and lack of industrial development.
Schedule for Bihar Assembly Election
Elections in 2 phases- 6th & 11th Nov
EVM starts getting blame- 11th-13th Nov
Counting of votes-14th Nov
NDA wins with 2/3rd Seats – 14 Nov
CEC Gyanesh Kumar starts getting abuses- 14 Nov- 7 pm
Rahul Ghandy leaves on Foreign Tour- 15 Nov pic.twitter.com/aibhBlJMtU
— BhikuMhatre (@MumbaichaDon) October 6, 2025
Focus on Three Key Leaders
The Bihar elections are also being framed as a direct contest between prominent leaders. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who has been a defining figure in Bihar politics for over two decades, faces one of his toughest challenges. His credibility will be tested as both allies and rivals closely watch his performance.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha has declared that the Bihar election will “set an example for the country” and showcase the strength of democracy. Meanwhile, Union Minister Giriraj Singh expressed confidence in the NDA’s victory, claiming that the coalition would return to power with a two-thirds majority.
The Opposition, meanwhile, is banking on a wave of anti-incumbency and the unity of the INDIA bloc to disrupt the NDA’s stronghold.
Election Commission’s Preparations
The Election Commission has rolled out extensive arrangements for the elections, including the release of a colour-coded Bihar map marking polling phases—yellow for phase one and pink for phase two. Gyanesh Kumar also informed citizens that voter list inclusion would remain open until 10 days before the nomination filing process begins.
The poll body has urged all eligible voters to verify their names on the electoral roll and reach out to their Booth Level Officers (BLOs) if any corrections or inclusions are required.
By-Elections in Seven States on November 11
Alongside the Bihar Assembly elections, the Election Commission has also scheduled by-elections in eight assembly constituencies across seven states and union territories, including Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha, Jharkhand, Mizoram, Punjab, Telangana, and Rajasthan. These by-elections will be held on November 11, with counting on November 14, aligning with Bihar’s schedule.
Bihar’s Political Battleground Intensifies
The upcoming Bihar Assembly election is being closely watched nationwide, given the state’s political importance and its history of influencing national politics. The two-phase polls are set to determine whether Nitish Kumar’s NDA can retain power or if the INDIA bloc can script an upset.
With unemployment and migration remaining deeply felt issues among the youth, and caste dynamics continuing to play a crucial role, the road to Patna’s secretariat is likely to be fiercely contested. As campaigning intensifies, Bihar prepares for what promises to be one of the most significant state elections in recent years.
