Patna: The nomination process for the second phase of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 began on Monday, covering 122 constituencies across 22 districts. Candidates can file nominations until October 20, while scrutiny will take place on October 21. The final date for withdrawal of nominations is October 23, and voting will be held on November 11.
The Election Commission had earlier announced that polling would be conducted in two phases — November 6 and November 11 — with counting scheduled for November 14. The first phase, which includes 121 constituencies in 18 districts, is already underway and will continue until October 17.
According to the 2020 election data, the NDA currently holds 66 of the 122 seats going to the polls in the second phase, while the Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) controls 49 seats. Among these, the BJP had won 42 seats, the JD(U) 20, and HAM 4. On the opposition side, the RJD secured 33 seats, the Congress 11, and the CPI(ML) 5.
The second phase also saw a dramatic entry from the AIMIM, which won five seats in Seemanchal — its first major breakthrough in Bihar politics — although four of its MLAs later defected to the RJD. The BSP and a few independent candidates, including Sumit Singh from Chakai, later joined the JD(U), strengthening Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s camp.
Political analysts suggest that this phase will be critical for both alliances, particularly in Champaran, Mithilanchal, Seemanchal, and Magadh regions. While the NDA dominated in 2020, it suffered setbacks in Magadh, winning only six out of 26 seats.
With over 7.4 crore registered voters and 243 total constituencies, Bihar’s election battle is heating up, as both alliances prepare to consolidate their vote banks and finalise candidates before the nomination window closes.
