Two-phase Bihar assembly election on Nov 6 and 11; results Nov 14
New Delhi: Bihar will vote for its 243-member House in two phases on November 6 and 11. The Bihar assembly election results will be declared on November 14. The Election Commission released the schedule at a 4 pm press briefing on Monday, setting a 40-day window from announcement to counting.
The electorate stands at about 7.42 crore. Additionally, 14 lakh first-time voters will join the rolls. The Commission noted 14,000 electors aged 100 years or more. Moreover, home voting via Form 12D will be available to those unable to reach polling stations. Voters may carry mobile phones to booths, subject to norms.
Bihar assembly election timed after Diwali and Chhath festival requests
Parties had sought polling after Diwali and Chhath. Consequently, Phase 1 will occur eight days after Chhath. Officials said the state will witness a two-phase contest after 40 years. Notably, the 1985 election also used two phases. BJP and RJD supported a two-phase plan, while JD(U) preferred a single day. However, logistics and festivals shaped the final decision.
This cycle is shorter than previous ones. In 2010, the process lasted 61 days. In 2015, it ran 60 days. In 2020, the Commission conducted voting in three phases between October 20 and November 7, declaring results on November 10. Therefore, the 2025 plan is the shortest at 40 days.
The Commission also scheduled bypolls for eight seats in 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).
In J&K, Budgam has been vacant since October 21, 2024, after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah retained Ganderbal. Meanwhile, Nagrota fell vacant on October 31, 2024, following the demise of MLA Devender Singh Rana.
Next, notifications will open the nomination window. After scrutiny and withdrawals, campaigns will intensify under the Model Code of Conduct. Furthermore, the Commission urged voters to check entries, plan travel, and use official channels for assistance.
Ultimately, voters will choose their representatives on November 6 and 11. Then, the results on November 14 will settle the balance of power in Bihar.
About The Author
