Preparation is on in full swing as Bihar votes later this year! Voting is set to take place across 243 assembly seats in Bihar in the elections which are scheduled to be held sometime in October or November this year.

The Election Commission may also take into consideration Diwali and Chhath holidays while planning the poll schedule, as per media reports. Diwali falls on October 20 this year while Chhath pooja will take place between October 25 and 28.

The model code of conduct will most likely be implemented between September and October while the voting and counting process is expected between October and November first week. However, an official announcement by the Election Commission of India regarding Bihar polls schedule is yet to come.

After Operation Sindoor, this will be the first election in the country. The main battle is likely to be between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Mahagathbandh. However, a pre-poll opinion survey suggests that Prashant Kishor may gain some popularity in Bihar Assembly Elections 2025.

Poll preparation in Bihar

As per media reports, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar may visit Bihar later this month to review poll preparations. Poll officials, including Booth Level Officers are being trained to ensure accuracy in the electoral process.

The poll panel is also working to avoid allegations over the voter list that the Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, have levelled against it in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Delhi. Booth Level Officers will be issued ID cards to verify voter details via door-to-door visits. A special campaign will be launched to add the names of first-time voters in the state.

Bihar’s top political leaders — Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav and the new entrant, Jan Suraaj Party chief Prashant Kishor — have started setting the tone for the upcoming elections as suspense grows over seat-share formulas and the chief minister’s face.

Mobile Phone Deposit Facility for voters at polling stations

The Election Commission has recently announced that it has issued instructions for providing mobile deposit facility for voters just outside the polling stations and rationalising norms for canvassing. The instructions are in line with the relevant provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961.

Recognising the increasing coverage and usage of mobile phones in both urban and rural areas and the challenges faced not only by the voters at large but also by senior citizens, women, and PwD electors in managing mobile phones on the poll day, the Commission has decided to allow a mobile deposit facility just outside the polling stations. Only mobile phones shall be allowed within 100 meters of the polling station and that too in switched-off mode.