ECI Briefs on Bihar Election 2025, but Questions Remain_#Electionnama1

 

Today, the Election Commission of India (ECI), through an extensive press conference, shared detailed updates about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and briefed the media about its preparedness for the upcoming Bihar Assembly Election 2025.

I found the information shared by the ECI somewhat confusing, especially since there is little clarity about the actual level of preparedness on the ground. How will the election ensure a level playing field for all political parties? Although the ECI appeared well-prepared for the press conference, it also seemed intent on convincing the public and institutions including the Supreme Court of India,  that everything concerning the SIR process is functioning smoothly and without fear. The Commission reiterated that there is still an opportunity for individuals whose names have not been included in the final electoral roll to get them added.

It remains to be seen how the Supreme Court will react in its next hearing regarding the SIR issue.

The ECI also announced the polling dates for the Bihar Assembly Election: voting will take place on 6 and 11 November, and counting will be held on 14 November 2025.

The outgoing NDA government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has been in power since 2005. Despite a noticeable decline in his popularity in recent years, the ruling alliance will once again contest the election under Nitish Kumar’s leadership. The BJP, a major alliance partner, lacks a strong alternative candidate for the Chief Minister’s post, making it reliant on Nitish Kumar to lead the campaign. In recent years, Nitish Kumar’s party, the Janata Dal (United), has increasingly appeared to function as a subsidiary of the BJP.

On the opposition side, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) performed well in the previous assembly election. However, its alliance partner, the Congress, failed to reach the required numbers to form the government. The Left parties, particularly the CPI (ML), delivered an impressive performance with a high strike rate.

In the last general election, the opposition contested under the INDIA Alliance, and since then, the Congress, led by Rahul Gandhi, has sought to energize its workers and supporters through the “Voter Chori Yatra” — a campaign highlighting alleged irregularities in voter lists. Most opposition parties in Bihar joined hands in that effort to challenge the NDA.

However, as of now, reports suggest that the final seat-sharing arrangement among opposition partners is yet to be finalized.

Let us enjoy the dance of democracy and see how the field will truly be a level playing one for all. At a time when elections in India are becoming increasingly expensive, it is hard to imagine how this playing field can remain fair and equal for everyone