Key Points
- Voting for 121 assembly seats across 18 districts scheduled for November 6, 2025
- Election Commission reduces polling hours to 7 AM-5 PM at 2,135 booths in 6 sensitive constituencies
- Standard 7 AM-6 PM voting window maintained at remaining 43,206 polling stations
- Campaigning concluded on November 4 with major political leaders making final push
- Decision based on security assessment, geographical challenges, and historical incidents
Patna: The Election Commission of India has implemented differential voting timings for Bihar’s first phase of assembly elections, cutting polling hours by one hour at over 2,000 booths across six constituencies deemed sensitive due to security concerns and geographical challenges.
Strategic Timing Adjustment for Sensitive Areas
Voting will conclude at 5 PM instead of the standard 6 PM at 2,135 polling stations spread across six assembly constituencies. The Election Commission’s decision factors in past law and order incidents, remote locations across riverine areas, significant distances from block headquarters, and the overall security sensitivity of these regions.
The affected constituencies and their respective polling stations are:
- Jamalpur: 492 polling stations
- Tarapur: 412 polling stations
- Simri Bakhtiyarpur: 410 polling stations
- Munger: 404 polling stations
- Mahisi: 361 polling stations
- Suryagarha: 56 polling stations
Standard Timing for Majority Constituencies
The remaining 115 assembly constituencies will follow the regular voting schedule from 7 AM to 6 PM. With 43,206 polling stations maintaining standard hours, the vast majority of voters will have the full 11-hour window to cast their ballots on November 6, 2025.
High-Octane Campaign Finale
The campaign trail witnessed intense political activity before the mandatory silence period began at 6 PM on November 4, 2025. The ruling National Democratic Alliance and opposition coalition deployed their heavyweight leaders across the state for final voter outreach.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed three major rallies, while Defense Minister Rajnath Singh conducted five public meetings. BJP President J.P. Nadda led both a roadshow and a public rally to energize party workers and undecided voters.
The opposition countered with equal vigor as Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi addressed three rallies across different constituencies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with the BJP’s women workers through a virtual interaction, emphasizing the party’s focus on female voter mobilization.
Regional Leaders Join Electoral Battle
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav maintained grueling schedules with multiple rallies throughout the day. The campaign’s final stretch also saw active participation from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and former Union Minister Smriti Irani, underscoring the national significance attached to Bihar’s electoral outcome.
The Election Commission’s security arrangements and logistical preparations are now in place for peaceful polling across all 121 constituencies in this crucial first phase.
