New Delhi: Dates are official for the Bihar assembly election. Voters will cast ballots in two phases on November 6 and 11, and the results will be declared on November 14. The Chief Election Commissioner announced the schedule at a Monday 4 pm press briefing, confirming a 40-day cycle.
The voter roll stands at about 7.42 crore. Additionally, 14 lakh first-time voters will participate. The Commission also highlighted 14,000 electors aged 100 years or more. Moreover, citizens unable to travel may use Form 12D to vote from home. This year, voters may carry mobile phones to the booth, subject to prescribed norms.
Bihar assembly election scheduled around Diwali and Chhath requests
Parties asked the Commission to avoid festival days. Therefore, Phase 1 is eight days after Chhath. Officials noted Bihar will see a two-phase poll after 40 years, the previous instance being 1985. BJP and RJD pressed for two phases, while JD(U) suggested one. However, planners prioritized logistics and security.
The timeline has compressed steadily. In 2010 the process ran 61 days, in 2015 it spanned 60 days, and in 2020 it took 47 days. Then, voting occurred over three phases from October 20 to November 7, with results on November 10. Consequently, the present 40-day plan is the shortest.
ECI also scheduled bypolls for eight seats across seven states on November 11, with counting on November 14. The seats are Budgam and Nagrota (Jammu & Kashmir), Anta (Rajasthan), Ghatsila—ST (Jharkhand), Jubilee Hills (Telangana), Tarn Taran (Punjab), Dampa (Mizoram), and Nuapada (Odisha).
Two J&K seats have been vacant since late 2024. Budgam became vacant on October 21, 2024, after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah retained Ganderbal. Nagrota fell vacant on October 31, 2024, after the death of MLA Devender Singh Rana.
With the schedule fixed, the process moves to nominations, scrutiny, and withdrawals. Campaigns will proceed under the Model Code of Conduct. Furthermore, the Commission urged voters to check roll entries, carry ID, and plan travel.
Ultimately, November 6 and 11 will decide the next Assembly. Then, the verdict arrives on November 14.
