National News: The current Bihar Assembly is set to complete its five-year term on November 22, 2025, and according to constitutional provisions, elections must be held before that. The Election Commission has, therefore, accelerated preparations. Though the official dates have not yet been announced, the recent schedule declared by the EC strongly indicates that polling may take place in October or early November.
Political activity across the state is already gaining momentum, with top parties moving into pre-campaign mode. Analysts believe that this will be one of the most keenly contested elections in recent times. As temperatures rise in Bihar, so do the political stakes.
Door-to-Door Voter Checks
In a significant step, the EC has announced a Special Summary Revision of voter lists, which includes house-to-house verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs). This massive drive aims to verify existing voters, add new ones, and eliminate duplicates. The door-to-door verification will ensure accuracy before the final rolls are published. Eligible citizens can submit Form 6 for inclusion, Form 7 for deletions, and Form 8 for corrections. The process will run from August through October. This groundwork is crucial to ensuring the credibility of the final electoral roll. It also marks the first tangible sign of the electoral machinery shifting into gear.
Final Roll By October
According to the EC’s released timeline, the final voter list will be published by the end of October, allowing the Commission enough time to prepare EVMs, polling stations, staff deployments, and logistics for a peaceful and efficient election. Once the verification process concludes, the EC is expected to release the election notification. District election officers have already been asked to keep administrative records updated. The publication of the final electoral roll will act as the immediate precursor to invoking the Model Code of Conduct in the state. Political parties are also aligning their campaigns to this timeline.
Poll Dates Expected Soon
Although the EC has not declared the exact polling dates, the new revision schedule hints at the timeline. With electoral roll revision ending in October and the Assembly’s term expiring on November 22, the election notification may be issued in the last week of September or early October. Officials say discussions are underway with security and logistics agencies. Festivals and weather conditions are also factored in while choosing dates. Media speculation around dates is rampant, but insiders believe the EC will make an official announcement soon after the completion of the verification exercise.
Ground Forces in Mobilisation
On the administrative side, preparations have begun for training poll officers, securing EVMs, and mapping sensitive constituencies. The Election Commission has instructed district magistrates to ensure clean-up of voter lists and to address pending claims. Special emphasis is being laid on first-time voters, women voters, and minority communities. Several districts have already begun awareness campaigns under the SVEEP programme. The Commission is also coordinating with local police and paramilitary forces to assess security needs in potential conflict zones. This behind-the-scenes work will shape the foundation for a fair election.
Parties Enter Pre-Poll Mode
Political parties in Bihar are treating the Election Commission's new voter verification schedule as the official beginning of the 2025 poll battle. Campaign activities have intensified across the state, with major alliances under review and backroom strategies taking shape. JD(U), RJD, BJP, and Congress have begun holding war-room level meetings to prepare for seat-sharing, candidate finalisation, and vote-bank targeting. From district rallies to booth-level volunteer outreach, every party is now in election gear. Social media campaigns are also being launched to sway youth and first-time voters. Ground-level mobilisation through caste blocs and local influencers has already started. With all 243 assembly seats up for grabs, Bihar is heading toward one of its fiercest electoral showdowns.
Public Readiness Being Assessed
As preparations gain speed, voter awareness campaigns are being rolled out. The EC aims to achieve maximum turnout and minimise errors through SMS alerts, social media notices, and on-ground banners. The public is being encouraged to verify their names and rectify any discrepancies before the final list is out. Citizens can also do this online through the NVSP portal. With voters now more engaged and aware, this election could see a record-breaking turnout. The focus on inclusivity, security, and transparency reflects the EC’s intent to conduct elections with minimal disruption.
