ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS 2026

Assembly Polls 2025

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that the Bihar assembly elections will occur in two phases, scheduled for November 6 and 11. Counting of votes is set for November 14. This election marks the first time voting will take place following the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The SIR resulted in the removal of 68.5 lakh voters and the addition of 21.5 lakh new names, a significant update with potential implications for electoral outcomes.

Bihar Election 2020: What happened in previous assembly polls

The Bihar assembly elections of 2020 were held in three phases between October 28 and November 7, with results announced on November 10. The NDA, comprising the BJP, JD(U), HAM(S), and VIP, secured a narrow majority, winning 125 out of 243 seats. The BJP emerged as the largest party within the alliance with 74 seats, while JD(U) won 43—its lowest tally since 2005. The opposition Mahagathbandhan, led by the RJD and including the Congress and Left parties, won 110 seats. The RJD became the single largest party in the alliance with 75 seats. The Congress performed poorly, managing just 19 seats. The Left parties [CPI, CPM, and CPI(ML)] made notable gains, collectively winning 16 seats. Voter turnout was around 57%. Nitish Kumar was sworn in as chief minister for a seventh term, although the BJP emerged as the dominant partner in the ruling coalition. The elections were held amid COVID-19 restrictions.