Post by : Rameen Ariff

The elections will decide the members of the 18th Bihar Legislative Assembly, with all 243 seats, including two reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) and 38 for Scheduled Castes (SC), up for grabs. The current ruling alliance between JD(U) and BJP is anticipated to face a tough challenge from the opposition alliance called Mahagathbandhan, which includes the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and other partners.

The Election Commission of India is expected to announce the official schedule for the Bihar assembly elections soon, with voting to be completed before the current assembly's term ends on November 22, 2025. Political parties have asked that the elections be held after the Chhath festival to ensure maximum voter turnout, as many voters return home during this period.

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This election comes amid controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list conducted by the Election Commission. The revision reduced the number of voters by removing outdated or illegal names. The opposition has criticized the timing and process, accusing the Commission of bias favoring the ruling NDA alliance. However, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar defended the revision, stating it was the first major voter list cleanup in 22 years to improve accuracy and transparency.

To enhance the election process, the Election Commission has introduced 17 new initiatives, including webcasting at all polling stations, adding colored photos of candidates on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and allowing voters to carry mobile phones near polling stations. These reforms aim to make the elections more transparent and voter-friendly.

Political leaders have welcomed the Special Intensive Revision and encouraged voters to participate enthusiastically in what they call a festival of democracy, comparing it to the cultural importance of Chhath festival. The Bihar election battle is widely seen as a contest between the ruling NDA with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the Mahagathbandhan alliance led by the RJD.

The polls will be closely watched, as they will shape the political future of Bihar, a state with complex caste dynamics, economic challenges, and a large youth population eager for change. The Election Commission’s efforts to ensure free, fair, and smooth elections with new technological and administrative measures are expected to set a precedent for future state and national elections.

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