Bihar Elections 2025: Polls Expected in 2–3 Phases Before Diwali, Chhath

Bihar Elections 2025: Polls Expected in 2–3 Phases Before Diwali, Chhath

CEC’s Visit to Finalize Dates as EC Plans Tech-Aided, Festival-Conscious Electoral Strategy

Patna — The Election Commission of India (ECI) is gearing up for the Bihar Assembly elections 2025, which are likely to be held in 2–3 phases prior to the state’s major festivals — Diwali and Chhath. The final schedule will be decided following the upcoming visit of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) to Bihar later this month, officials confirmed.

The ECI is reportedly working on a plan that ensures minimal disruption during the festive season, while also addressing logistical challenges such as flood-prone areas, manpower deployment, and voter list integrity.

Why 2–3 Phases?

Sources in the Election Commission suggest that a two or three-phase election model is being favored for Bihar, balancing security, festival timings, and voter convenience. Unlike the 2020 Bihar polls that spanned three phases, the ECI is considering a more condensed schedule this year to prevent overlap with Diwali (October 20–22) and Chhath (October 29–31) — two of Bihar’s most culturally significant celebrations.

“The Commission is aware of the religious and logistical sensitivities during this period,” said a senior ECI official. “We want maximum voter participation without impacting festive traditions.”

Chief Election Commissioner’s Visit Crucial

The Chief Election Commissioner is scheduled to visit Bihar this month to assess ground conditions, meet with election officials, and consult with key stakeholders. This visit is expected to shape the final polling calendar, including voter list verification, security arrangements, and use of polling technology.

This follows the EC’s recent efforts to avoid controversies similar to those faced in Delhi and Maharashtra, where allegations of voter list discrepancies led to widespread political criticism.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Electoral Process

In a first for the Bihar polls, the Election Commission is actively exploring the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to manage large-scale data — from voter roll validation to predictive analysis for logistics deployment. AI is also expected to support:

• Facial recognition tools for fraud detection
• Polling booth monitoring through AI-driven video analytics
• Chatbots for voter education and grievance redressal

These technological advancements aim to boost transparency and increase operational efficiency, especially in rural and flood-affected regions where manual data entry poses challenges.

Political Activity Gains Momentum

Even as the EC readies its strategy, political parties have begun their campaigns in full swing. Both national and regional parties — including the BJP, JD(U), RJD, and Congress — are holding rallies, grassroots meetings, and digital outreach programs to mobilize their voter base.

With Bihar often seen as a bellwether state, the stakes are high for all parties involved. The opposition alliance is banking on anti-incumbency, while the ruling coalition is expected to campaign on governance and development records.

Voter List Clean-Up Underway

Given the controversies in Delhi and Maharashtra over alleged irregularities in voter lists, the ECI is treading cautiously in Bihar. A dedicated task force has been deployed to carry out door-to-door verification, especially in urban areas with high migrant populations.

The EC has also launched a public feedback mechanism via its Voter Helpline App and local kiosks to enable voters to raise concerns about discrepancies.

Key Considerations Influencing the Poll Schedule

Several important factors are shaping the election planning process:

• Weather and Flood Conditions: Monsoon-induced floods could hamper access in northern Bihar districts.
• Festive Season Logistics: Security and administrative staff are often unavailable due to festival duties.
• School and Exam Calendars: Use of schools as polling centers must align with academic schedules.
• Law and Order Management: Deployment of paramilitary forces in phases helps maintain election integrity.