Two-Phase Voting Announced
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday announced dates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar confirmed that polling will be held in two phases—November 6 and November 11—while results will be declared on November 14. The 243-member Bihar Assembly’s term ends on November 22, making timely elections crucial for a smooth transfer of power.
The first phase on November 6 will cover 121 constituencies, mostly in central Bihar, including flood-prone and rural regions. The second phase on November 11 will cover 122 constituencies in border areas. Several districts from North Bihar have been added to the first phase this year due to improved road and bridge infrastructure, ensuring better accessibility. For transparency, voters will see colour photographs of candidates on EVMs for the first time, and polling stations will have full webcasting coverage. Mobile phones must be deposited outside booths, and officials will carry clear ID cards to ensure smooth conduct.
Political Contenders and Security
The elections will witness a multi-cornered contest. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and supported by the BJP and smaller allies like HAM, VIP, and LJP (Ram Vilas), seeks to retain power. The opposition Mahagathbandhan, comprising RJD, Congress, and Left parties, will focus on issues such as youth employment, social welfare, and caste inclusivity.
Election preparations are in full swing, with special focus on sensitive and flood-affected areas. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will be deployed in advance, and strict directives against poll-related violence have been issued. Electronic voting machines have been tested, polling staff trained, and monitoring teams set up to ensure compliance with the model code of conduct.
Bihar’s political landscape remains dynamic, with power historically shifting between JD(U)-led NDA and RJD-led opposition. In the 2020 elections, NDA won 125 seats while Mahagathbandhan secured 110. With over 7.43 crore voters, including 14 lakh first-timers, the upcoming polls are expected to be a closely watched contest.
