Bihar Poll Dates 2025 Likely Set Between Nov 5-15: What Voters Should Know

The Bihar Assembly elections 2025 are expected to take place between November 5 and 15, following Chhath Puja on October 28. The current Assembly's term ends on November 22, 2025, so the election process must be completed before this date. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is scheduled to visit Bihar next week to review election preparations. The final voter list will be published on September 30.

Voter Roll Controversy

Political tensions have risen due to the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision exercise, which removed 65 lakh names from the draft voter list. The INDIA bloc has alleged that this move could be used to remove legitimate voters. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has warned that it may cancel the process if any irregularities are found after the final voter list is published.

Multi-Phase Polling in Bihar

Bihar traditionally holds multi-phase elections. In 2020, polling occurred in three phases: October 28 for 71 seats, November 3 for 94 seats, and November 7 for 78 seats, with results announced on November 10. The 2015 election was conducted in five phases. This year, the election will again be a face-off between the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc.

Key Political Alliances

The NDA coalition includes BJP, Janata Dal (United), and Lok Janshakti Party (Ramvilas), aiming for another term under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Currently, NDA holds a majority with 131 of 243 seats: BJP has 80 seats, JD(U) 45, Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) four, and two Independents support them.

The opposition INDIA bloc is led by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), supported by Congress and Left parties. RJD has 77 MLAs, Congress 19, CPI(ML) 11, CPI(M) 2, and CPI 2 seats. Both alliances are preparing intensive campaigns to win voter support.

What to Expect

As election dates approach, political activity is expected to intensify across Bihar. The outcome will determine if Nitish Kumar continues as Chief Minister or if a new leadership emerges from this electoral contest.