NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is scheduled to announce the official poll schedule for the 18th Bihar Legislative Assembly elections at a press conference in New Delhi today (October 6, 2025) at 4 PM. With the term of the current 243-member Assembly set to expire on November 22, 2025, the announcement is eagerly awaited and will instantly trigger the Model Code of Conduct in the state.
The ECI’s decision follows a comprehensive two-day review visit to Patna by the full commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
Key Expectations: Post-Chhath Polling and Fewer Phases
Based on the ECI’s recent consultations and historical patterns, two major aspects are expected in the schedule:
- Post-Chhath Polling: The election is anticipated to be scheduled immediately following the crucial Chhath Puja festival (late October). This timing was unanimously requested by major political parties to ensure maximum participation from migrant workers returning home for the holiday.
- Reduced Phases: Sources indicate the polls are likely to be conducted in a reduced number of phases—possibly one or two—a significant reduction from the three phases held in 2020. This move is based on feedback from political stakeholders and an enhanced deployment strategy for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
Focus on Electoral Reforms and ‘Purified’ Rolls
CEC Gyanesh Kumar has highlighted that the Bihar polls will serve as a testing ground for 17 new initiatives aimed at enhancing the electoral process across the country. Key reforms confirmed for implementation include:
- 100% Webcasting: All polling booths will be monitored via real-time webcasting to enhance transparency.
- Reduced Booth Capacity: The voter limit per polling booth has been capped at 1,200 (down from 1,500) to minimize crowding and reduce waiting times.
- Technological Integrations: The introduction of coloured photographs of candidates on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for easier identification, and the consolidation of all ECI applications into a ‘One Stop Digital Platform’ (ECINET).
- Voter Convenience: Provision of mobile phone deposit counters outside all polling stations.
A major point of political contention ahead of the announcement is the recently concluded Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. The exercise, which the ECI maintains has “purified” the list after 22 years, resulted in the deletion of approximately 68.5 lakh voters. The Opposition Mahagathbandhan has accused the poll body of partisan practices, though the ECI maintains deletions were necessary due to deceased, duplicate, or non-resident entries.
High-Stakes Political Contest
The upcoming election sets the stage for a critical battle for the 243-member Assembly between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar (JD-U), and the opposition alliance, the Mahagathbandhan, spearheaded by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress. The contest is further complicated by the entry of political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj party.
Political campaigning has intensified ahead of the announcement, with focus issues including job creation, development schemes (especially government cash transfers to women), and caste dynamics. The outcome of the Bihar elections is expected to set a key tone for national politics in the coming year.
