1, 2 or 3? How many phases will Bihar Election be held in? CEC Gyanesh Kumar responds

Bihar Election 2025: The Election Commission of India will announces the dates of Bihar assembly polls today. What remains to be seen is in how many phases will the election to the 243-member Bihar assembly be held.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has reportedly sought a single-phase poll while the opposition INDIA bloc wants the elections in two phases.

In fact, the Election Commission was asked the question about phases during a press conference in Patna on October 5. The poll panel said in response that it will take a decision on this soon while considering all pros and cons.

"We have listened to parties suggesting how many phases there should be, and the Election Commission will take a decision soon. Everything has pros and cons, and we will look into it," Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said responding to a question on number of phases expected in the upcoming election.

Bihar Election 2025 date

Kumar led a delegation of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to Bihar for two days to review poll preparedness ahead of the upcoming Legislative Assembly polls. The delegation included Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.

The term of the Bihar Assembly is ending on 22 November. So the elections have to be held before that date.

When was Bihar Election held in 2020?

In 2020, the Bihar Assembly election was the first exercise held after COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2020 Bihar elections were held in three phases on 28 October, 3 November, and 7 November. The results were announced on 10 November.

The incumbent National Democratic Alliance (NDA) emerged as the winner with 125 elected MLAs, whereas the principal opposition coalition of Mahagathbandhan won 110 seats.

This year, the election schedule will take the festivals into account. Chhath and Diwali fall between October 18 and October 28. So, the poll panel will announce the dates accordingly.

The 2025 Bihar elections is expected to be a contest between the ruling alliance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal United (JDU) and the Mahagathbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress party. Election strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor is also in the fray with his Jan Suraaj Party.