The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially released the eagerly awaited schedule for the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections. Voters will head to the polls in two distinct phases: November 6th for Phase I and November 11th for Phase II. The much-anticipated counting of votes will take place on November 14th. This comprehensive poll calendar also outlines key dates for notifications, candidate nominations, and withdrawals.
For a detailed breakdown, discover which constituencies in Bihar are scheduled to vote on specific dates.
Bihar boasts 243 assembly constituencies. In the first phase, 121 constituencies will cast their votes, followed by 122 in the second phase. The Election Commission provided detailed constituency-wise lists and a statutory timetable for these elections. For Phase I, candidates completed their nominations by October 17th, with scrutiny on October 18th, and the final date for withdrawing candidacies was October 20th. For Phase II, the notification was issued slightly later, with nominations closing on October 20th, scrutiny on October 21st, and the withdrawal deadline set for October 23rd.
Additionally, the election notification includes eight by-elections, which will coincide with the second phase of polling on November 11th. The Commission has already put robust expenditure-monitoring and security measures in place to ensure fair and safe elections.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar emphasized a zero-tolerance policy against any violence, ensuring that no voter or candidate will face threats. He highlighted that over 7.4 crore citizens are eligible to vote in these elections, with a significant 14 lakh being first-time voters. The CEC assured the public that the Bihar elections would be conducted with utmost transparency and peace.
Bihar’s electoral landscape includes 203 general constituencies, two reserved for Scheduled Tribes, and 38 for Scheduled Castes. The state’s total electorate stands at an impressive 7.43 crore, comprising approximately 3.92 crore men, 3.50 crore women, and 1,725 transgender individuals. Among these, around 14.01 lakh are enthusiastic first-time voters aged 18-19. The 20-29 age bracket accounts for 1.63 crore voters, while 4.04 lakh are highly respected senior citizens over 85, and about 14,000 are centenarians. Additionally, the electoral roll includes 1.63 lakh service electors and 7.2 lakh voters with disabilities, ensuring broad participation.
Key Election Dates at a Glance:
- Official Notification: Phase I on October 10th, Phase II on October 13th (as officially announced).
- Nomination Deadline: October 17th for Phase I; October 20th for Phase II.
- Nomination Scrutiny: October 18th for Phase I; October 21st for Phase II.
- Withdrawal Deadline: October 20th for Phase I; October 23rd for Phase II.
- Polling Days: November 6th (Phase I) and November 11th (Phase II).
- Vote Counting: November 14th.