Patna: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday held a press conference to discuss poll preparedness for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar said the elections will likely be held before the state assembly dissolves on November 22.
Kumar announced that 100% webcasting will be implemented to ensure transparency. He also praised the voters and election staff, saying, “We congratulate the voters of India. Thank you to everyone for the successful SIR process. I appeal to all the voters of Bihar to celebrate this festival of democracy with the same enthusiasm as you celebrate Chhath. Everyone should vote and ensure their participation.”
The CEC highlighted the efforts in cleaning up the voter list, saying, “Recently, the voter list cleansing work was carried out in Bihar, and the booth-level officers not only completed the work in their booths, but 90,217 booth-level officers of Bihar performed a work that is exemplary across the country…Just as Vaishali in Bihar showed the world the path to democracy, together you will become a source of inspiration for the country.”
ECI briefing on Bihar assembly polls 2025: Key highlights
-CEC stated that each polling station will have approximately 1,200 voters assigned to it. This arrangement aims to manage the voting process efficiently and ensure smooth conduct during the elections.
-CEC said that the ECI will accept Aadhaar cards for inclusion in voter lists, however the commission reiterated that it is not a form of citizenhsip.
-Now, candidates’ photographs on election-related documents will appear in colour, making it easier for voters to identify them. This move aims to increase transparency and improve voter awareness.
-Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar says, “Previously, when votes were counted, if there was a mismatch in Form 17C, which the presiding officer gives to polling agents, and in the EVM counting unit, all such VVPATs would be counted in full. Similarly, it will be compulsory that postal ballots be counted before the final two rounds of EVM counting. After the election is over, many people want to know how many voters there were, how many men voted, and how many women voted… now, gradually, the progressive implementation of ECI-NET is taking place. Therefore, you will all be able to see these digital index cards within a few days of the election’s conclusion.”
-Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar says, “…The Election Commission has decided that no polling station will have more than 1,200 voters.” “Identity cards have been introduced for booth-level officials to better identify them when approaching voters. Mobile phones can be deposited in a room outside the booth. This process will be implemented throughout Bihar… There will be 100% webcasting at every polling station.”
-Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar says, “…When the ballot paper is inserted into the EVM, the photo on it is black and white, making it difficult to identify, even though the election symbol remains. It was also suggested that the serial number should be larger. So, starting with the Bihar elections, the serial number font will be larger across the country, and the candidates’ photographs will be colour photographs.”
-Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar says, “Bihar has 243 assembly constituencies – 2 for STs and 38 for SCs. The term of the Bihar Legislative Assembly ends on November 22, 2025, and elections will be held before that time… The Election Commission trained booth-level officers for the first time… SIR was launched on June 24, 2025, and completed by the deadline…”
-Kumar urged voters to approach the upcoming polls with enthusiasm and responsibility, treating them as a festival of democracy.
-100% Webcasting will be done, says CEC Gyanesh Kumar
-CEC Gyanesh Kumar stated that now 100% Webcasting will be done.
-Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar stated, “We congratulate the voters of India. Thank you to everyone for the successful SIR process. I appeal to all the voters of Bihar to celebrate this festival of democracy with the same enthusiasm as you celebrate Chhath. Everyone should vote and ensure their participation.”
-Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar says, “Recently, the voter list cleansing work was carried out in Bihar, and the booth-level officers present before us not only carried out the work of cleansing the voter list in their booths, but 90,217 booth-level officers of Bihar performed a work that is exemplary across the country…Just as Vaishali in Bihar showed the world the path to democracy. Together, you will become a source of inspiration for the country in the work of cleansing the voter list.”
-The ECI stated that since the Bihar Assembly is scheduled to dissolve on November 22, the poll dates are likely to be announced before that.
-Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar has urged Bihar voters to celebrate the upcoming polls like festival.
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