Triangular fight in Bihar as ECI announces two-phase poll schedule

New Delhi: The stage is officially set for a high-stakes political showdown in Bihar, as the Election Commission of India (ECI) today announced the full schedule for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025. Polling for the 243-member legislative assembly will be conducted in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 14. The term of the current assembly concludes on November 22.

The decision to conduct the polls in just two phases marks the shortest schedule for Bihar Assembly elections in over two decades, following recent efforts by the ECI to reduce extended polling periods.

The Key Players and Shifting Tides

The election is poised to be a fierce triangular contest, pitting the incumbent National Democratic Alliance (NDA) against the Opposition's Mahagathbandhan (INDIA bloc), with the emergence of a new disruptor.

The NDA Anchor: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar (JD(U)) remains the central figure for the NDA, which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, his fluctuating popularity is noted in recent surveys.

The Challenger: Tejashwi Yadav (RJD) continues to lead the Mahagathbandhan, maintaining his position as the most preferred Chief Minister candidate among surveyed voters at approximately 35%.

The Disruptor: Political strategist-turned-contender Prashant Kishor and his Jan Suraaj Party have quickly gained traction, with his support as a preferred CM candidate rising significantly to 23%, positioning him as a potential game-changer in the state's electoral dynamics.

The current political manoeuvring is also seeing key regional figures like Chirag Paswan firmly aligning with the NDA, while internal friction has been reported among other allies.

Focus on Electoral Purity and Voter Engagement

The elections will be the first Assembly polls following the Election Commission's extensive Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This exercise resulted in a final voter list of approximately 7.42 crore electors, including a significant addition of 14 lakh first-time voters.

The ECI has assured zero tolerance for violence and a strict vigil against misinformation and illegal movement of cash or liquor. Polling stations will be made senior-friendly, with enhanced facilities and webcasting at all booths to ensure transparency. With high stakes for all major national and regional parties, the campaign is expected to focus heavily on core issues like unemployment, migration, and the push for special status for Bihar.