The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially announced the schedule for the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections, ending months of speculation and setting the stage for a high-stakes political contest. In a major press conference, the commission confirmed that Bihar will vote in two phases, with the counting of votes and declaration of results scheduled for November 14, 2025.
This announcement kicks off the official election season in the state, with the Model Code of Conduct now in effect. Political parties will now finalize their strategies for a campaign that promises to be intense and closely watched across the country.
Bihar Assembly Election 2025: Full Schedule
The ECI has laid out a clear timeline for the electoral process. Mark your calendars for these crucial dates that will determine the next government of Bihar:
- Phase 1 Voting: October 28, 2025
- Phase 2 Voting: November 7, 2025
- Counting of Votes & Results: November 14, 2025
Why a Two-Phase Election? ECI’s Strategy Explained
The decision to hold the election in two phases is a strategic one, balancing logistical challenges with security requirements. The ECI explained that this schedule allows for the efficient and seamless deployment of central security forces across the state, ensuring that voting can be conducted in a free, fair, and secure environment for all citizens.
For political parties, this structure allows for a more focused campaign. National leaders and star campaigners can concentrate their efforts in specific regions for each phase. This gives the ruling NDA and the opposition Mahagathbandhan a brief period between the two polling dates to analyze voter turnout and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Key Players and Issues: NDA vs Mahagathbandhan
The battle lines for the Bihar Assembly Election 2025 are clearly drawn between the two major alliances.
On one side is the incumbent NDA (National Democratic Alliance), a coalition of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar‘s JD(U) and the BJP. Their campaign is expected to highlight the “double-engine sarkar” narrative, focusing on development work, infrastructure projects, and maintaining law and order, while leveraging the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Challenging them is the Mahagathbandhan, led by Tejashwi Yadav‘s RJD. Following a powerful campaign in 2020 centered on the promise of 10 lakh jobs, Yadav will likely continue to focus on youth-centric issues like unemployment (berozgari) and inflation. The alliance, which includes the Congress and Left parties, will also aim to leverage the findings of the recent caste survey to consolidate its support among backward classes.
Results on November 14: A Political Diwali?
With the dates now locked, Bihar is set to become the epicenter of Indian politics for the next few weeks. The campaign trail will be filled with massive rallies, roadshows, and sharp political rhetoric, as parties make their case to the voters.
The results declared on November 14th will be decisive. They will not only shape the future of Bihar for the next five years but also have significant implications for national politics. Will Nitish Kumar retain his long-held position, or will Tejashwi Yadav lead his alliance to victory? All eyes are on Bihar as the election countdown begins.
