Patna, Oct 5: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has confirmed that the much-anticipated Bihar Assembly elections will be held before November 22, the day when the current Assembly’s term expires. Announcing the timeline at a press conference in Patna, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar said the commission is fully prepared to conduct free, fair, and inclusive elections across all 243 constituencies, which include two seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs) and 38 for Scheduled Castes (SCs).
“The term of the Bihar Legislative Assembly ends on November 22, 2025, and the elections will be held before that date,” Kumar stated. Highlighting key preparations, he said that for the first time, booth-level officers (BLOs) have been trained on a large scale to strengthen electoral processes. He also noted that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list — launched on June 24, had been completed on schedule, ensuring that the electoral rolls are updated and accurate.
The CEC congratulated the people of Bihar for their cooperation during the SIR process and urged them to participate in the upcoming democratic exercise actively. “Voting is not just a right but a festival of democracy. I appeal to every voter to celebrate this festival with the same enthusiasm as you celebrate Chhath and ensure full participation at the polls,” he said, emphasizing the importance of voter turnout for a vibrant democracy.
Kumar praised the efforts of booth-level officers in Bihar, who played a pivotal role in cleansing and updating the voter rolls. “A total of 90,217 BLOs carried out the voter list revision work with exceptional commitment. Their work sets an example for the rest of the country. Just as Vaishali once showed the world the path to democracy, Bihar’s BLOs are now inspiring the nation with their dedication,” he remarked.
The announcement comes amid heightened political activity in Bihar, where the upcoming elections are expected to see a fierce contest between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition Mahagathbandhan. The NDA, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, currently holds 131 of the 243 seats, with the BJP at 80, JD(U) at 45, HAM(S) at 4, and two Independents, while the Mahagathbandhan commands 111 seats, comprising RJD (77), Congress (19), CPI(ML) (11), CPI(M) (2), and CPI (2).
With both alliances intensifying their campaigns and trading political barbs, the election is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in recent years. The Election Commission’s two-day review visit to the state has further reinforced its commitment to ensuring a smooth, transparent, and credible electoral process.