Bihar Assembly Election Dates Likely Around Diwali–Chhath; EC to Limit Booth Crowds, Tackle AI Threats

With the tenure of the Bihar Legislative Assembly set to end on November 22, 2025, preparations for the upcoming state elections are gaining momentum. Although the official dates are yet to be announced, sources indicate that the Election Commission (EC) may schedule voting around the Diwali and Chhath festivals, keeping public convenience in mind.

Voting May Be Held in 2-3 Phases

Based on current indications, the elections are likely to be conducted in two or three phases, unlike the previous two elections which were held in three phases (2020) and five phases (2015) respectively.

Chief Election Commissioner to Visit Bihar

Ahead of the date announcement, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is scheduled to visit Bihar this month. The Commission has already begun training sessions for officials and sensitizing political parties to ensure smoother execution of the process.

Massive Overhaul in Voter Verification

In response to past controversies surrounding voter lists, the EC is stepping up verification efforts:

  • Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have been trained and given ID cards for door-to-door verification.

  • A special voter registration campaign will target youth turning 18.

  • Data of deceased individuals has been linked with the Registrar General of India to prevent duplication.

Poll Booth Revamp: Less Crowd, More Access

To avoid overcrowding and improve accessibility:

  • Each polling booth will now serve a maximum of 1,200 voters (down from 1,500).

  • More booths will be set up in densely populated areas.

  • No voter should have to walk more than 2 km to reach their polling station.

  • High-rise buildings will also host polling booths for the first time.

  • Facilities will be arranged for mobile phone deposits outside booths.

  • Voter slips will now display part and serial numbers clearly and in large print.

Tech-Ready: EC Launches ECINET, Fights AI Misinformation

The EC is launching ECINET, a unified dashboard that will replace over 40 existing apps/websites, streamlining election operations. In view of the growing AI and deepfake threats, a dedicated AI monitoring cell will soon be set up. Political parties have already been advised to label AI-generated content clearly, ensuring transparency for voters.