Bihar Braces For First Phase Of Crucial Assembly Elections Today

Bihar is set to witness the first phase of its highly anticipated Legislative Assembly elections today, with polling scheduled for 121 of the 243 constituencies across the state.

The remaining 122 constituencies will go to the polls on November 11, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 14, as announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The state’s political landscape has seen dramatic shifts in recent years, making this election particularly crucial for both the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition Grand Alliance.

Political Background: A Turbulent Assembly Term

The Bihar Legislative Assembly’s five-year term is due to end on November 22, 2025.

The last elections in 2020 saw the NDA form the government, with Nitish Kumar returning as Chief Minister. However, the political scene has been far from stable since then.

In August 2022, the JD(U) broke its alliance with the BJP, prompting Nitish Kumar’s resignation and subsequent swearing-in as Chief Minister under the Grand Alliance, comprising the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress.

Yet, in January 2024, JD(U) once again parted ways with the Grand Alliance, realigning with the NDA and reinstating Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister.

The political shifts have set the stage for an intensely contested election, with alliances, leadership credibility, and regional issues expected to dominate voter sentiment.

Electoral Schedule: Two-Phase Voting

The ECI officially announced the election schedule on October 6, 2025.

The first phase covers 121 constituencies, with key deadlines including nomination filings (10–17 October) and scrutiny of nominations (18 October). Withdrawals were allowed until 20 October.

The second phase, covering 122 constituencies, will see nominations accepted until October 20 and scrutiny on October 21, with withdrawals possible until October 23.

Polling in the second phase is slated for November 11, followed by vote counting on November 14.

Alliances and Key Contenders

The NDA is contesting the elections with a coalition including the BJP, JD(U), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and National People’s Front.

Notable leaders include Nitish Kumar (JD(U)) and Samrat Chaudhary (BJP), with the NDA contesting a total of 243 seats collectively.

Meanwhile, the Grand Alliance, spearheaded by the RJD and including the Congress, CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML) Liberation, and Vikassheel Insaan Party, is aiming to reclaim power under the leadership of Tejashwi Yadav (RJD).

Smaller alliances such as the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) and other regional parties, including the Jan Suraj Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, and Aam Aadmi Party, are also contesting a significant number of seats, reflecting the fragmented electoral scenario.

Key Constituencies and Candidates

Today’s polling will include highly watched constituencies such as Valmiki Nagar, Ramnagar (SC), Bettiah, Motihari, and Hajipur. NDA and Grand Alliance candidates in these areas are preparing to fight a stiff battle.

In certain constituencies, the cancellation of nominations has introduced further twists.

For instance, the election authorities rejected LJP (Ravi) candidate Seema Singh’s nomination in Madhaura, prompting the NDA to support independent candidate Ankit Kumar.

Similarly, Shweta Suman (RJD) and Shashi Bhushan Singh (VIP) faced nomination cancellations in other constituencies, adding further uncertainty.

Election Outlook: What to Expect?

Political analysts suggest that voter turnout and local issues such as development, employment, caste dynamics, and governance performance will play decisive roles in today’s first-phase polling.

Authorities have deployed security personnel and electronic voting machines across constituencies to ensure a smooth voting process.

With Bihar’s history of coalition politics and shifting alliances, the election outcome could significantly influence the state’s governance for the next five years, making today’s polling critical in shaping the political landscape.

Counting Day and Results

Officials will count all votes across both phases on November 14, 2025. Political observers and party strategists are already preparing for post-poll analysis, with Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav at the centre of attention as the contest for Bihar’s leadership intensifies.