As the much-anticipated Bihar Assembly elections draw near, stringent measures are being implemented to guarantee a smooth and secure polling process. A key directive from the state administration includes the temporary closure of all educational institutions in the districts participating in the first phase of voting. This essential step aims to streamline voter participation and uphold law and order throughout the election period.
The initial phase of voting will encompass 121 assembly seats across 17 districts spanning both North and South Bihar. Polling stations will be open from 7 AM to 6 PM. The Election Commission has emphasized the critical importance of peaceful elections and has mobilized a substantial contingent of officials and security personnel to oversee operations.
Schools and Colleges to Close in 17 Districts
The Election Commission has mandated that all schools and colleges within the 17 districts scheduled for Phase I polling will remain closed on election day. This comprehensive list of affected districts includes:
| Patna | Darbhanga | Madhepura |
| Saharsa | Muzaffarpur | Gopalganj |
| Siwan | Saran | Vaishali |
| Samastipur | Begusarai | Lakhisarai |
| Munger | Sheikhpura | Nalanda |
| Buxar | Bhojpur | – |
This decision ensures that students, teachers, and administrative staff can freely exercise their democratic right without any logistical hurdles. Furthermore, it helps prevent potential disruptions at polling centers, many of which are typically located within educational premises.
Complete List of Phase I Constituencies
The 121 assembly constituencies where voting will occur are:
| Alamnagar | Bihariganj | Singheshwar (SC) | Madhepura | Sonbarsha (SC) |
| Saharsa | Simri Bakhtiarpur | Mahishi | Kusheshwar Asthan (SC) | Gaura Bauram |
| Benipur | Alinagar | Darbhanga Rural | Darbhanga | Hayaghat |
| Bahadurpur | Keoti | Jale | Gaighat | Aurai |
| Minapur | Bochahan (SC) | Sakra (SC) | Kurhani | Muzaffarpur |
| Kanti | Baruraj | Paroo | Sahebganj | Baikunthpur |
| Barauli | Gopalganj | Kuchaikote | Bhore (SC) | Hathua |
| Siwan | Ziradei | Darauli (SC) | Raghunathpur | Daraunda |
| Barharia | Goriakothi | Maharajganj | Ekma | Manjhi |
| Baniapur | Taraiya | Marhaura | Chapra | Garkha (SC) |
| Amnour | Parsa | Sonepur | Hajipur | Lalganj |
| Vaishali | Mahua | Raja Pakar (SC) | Raghopur | Mahnar |
| Patepur (SC) | Kalyanpur (SC) | Warisnagar | Samastipur | Ujiarpur |
| Morwa | Sarairanjan | Mohiuddinnagar | Bibhutipur | Rosera (SC) |
| Hasanpur | Cheria-Bariarpur | Bachhwara | Teghra | Matihani |
| Sahebpur Kamal | Begusarai | Bakhri (SC) | Alauli (SC) | Khagaria |
| Beldaur | Parbatta | Tarapur | Munger | Jamalpur |
| Suryagarha | Lakhisarai | Sheikhpura | Barbigha | Asthawan |
| Biharsharif | Rajgir (SC) | Islampur | Hilsa | Nalanda |
| Harnaut | Mokama | Barh | Bakhtiarpur | Digha |
| Bankipur | Kumhrar | Patna Sahib | Fatuha | Danapur |
| Maner | Phulwari (SC) | Masaurhi (SC) | Paliganj | Bikram |
| Sandesh | Barhara | Arrah | Agiaon (SC) | Tarari |
| Jagdishpur | Shahpur | Brahampur | Buxar | Dumraon |
| Rajpur (SC) | – | – | – | – |
Robust Security and Election Logistics
This initial phase will see contests across a wide range of constituencies, including crucial areas in Patna and other key districts. For the entire election process, a staggering 850,000 officials are being deployed statewide. This includes 453,000 polling personnel, 250,000 police personnel, over 28,000 vote-counting staff, and 18,000 micro-observers, all working to ensure the integrity of the elections.
Intense security measures will also be in effect at nomination centers, where candidates are currently submitting their applications for the 121 assembly seats. The deadline for nominations is October 17. Strict regulations dictate that only five individuals, including the candidate, are permitted to accompany them during filing. Furthermore, continuous videography will be utilized to meticulously monitor the entire process and prevent any potential malpractices.
Key Dates: Nominations, Withdrawals, and Vote Counting
The window for filing nominations for Phase I candidates will close on October 17. This will be followed by a thorough scrutiny of submitted papers on October 18. Candidates wishing to withdraw their nominations have until October 20. The final counting of votes for both phases of the election is slated for November 14, after the conclusion of the second phase of polling on November 11.
These elections hold immense significance as both dominant political blocs, the NDA and the Grand Alliance, strive to consolidate and expand their political footprint. The closely contested seats in this first phase are expected to be pivotal in shaping the ultimate outcome of the Bihar Assembly elections.