Patna: As Bihar heads into a crucial electoral season, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, an IAS officer of 1988 batch from Kerala cadre, made a resolute promise: “This year’s Bihar Assembly elections will be among the best ever held.”
Speaking at a press conference on Monday at 4 PM, the CEC detailed the Election Commission’s comprehensive roadmap for a transparent, inclusive, and voter-friendly electoral process.
“Transparent Elections Are Our Priority”
Opening the briefing, CEC Gyanesh Kumar emphasized that the Election Commission is committed to conducting the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 with “complete transparency.”
“We’ve consulted all political parties, police, administrative and security officials. Based on comprehensive review, we are announcing the election dates today,” he said.
The elections will be conducted in two phases – on November 6 and November 11, with results declared on November 14. The overall election process will span 40 days.
“The Voter List Has Been Cleaned and Updated”
Mr Kumar addressed concerns raised on social media regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
“People have made many comments about SIR. But let me clarify — SIR is legal and mandatory under the Representation of the People Act. In fact, political parties themselves demanded this process,” he said.
The voter list purification process began on June 24, 2025, with a draft list published on August 1. Objections and claims were accepted until September 1, and the final list was released on September 30.
Importantly, he said that “missing names can still be added up to 10 days before nominations,” and such voters will be issued new voter cards.
“The Election Is Now Just One Call Away”
In a bold move toward tech-enabled governance, the CEC announced the launch of ‘ECI Net’, a single-window mobile application that will revolutionize how voters interact with the electoral process.
“For the first time, every voter in Bihar can connect to their BLO with just one call. Our entire election machinery is now within the reach of citizens,” Kumar said.
Key details:
- Helpline: Call +91-STD Code-1950 (e.g., +91-612-1950 for Patna)
- ECI Net App: Voters can book calls, track updates, and submit queries
Staff Deployment:
- 90,712 BLOs (Booth Level Officers)
- 243 EROs (Electoral Registration Officers)
- 38 DEOs (District Election Officers)
“We’ve Made Voting Easier Than Ever”
Highlighting efforts to make the process smoother, Gyanesh Kumar shared several voter convenience measures –
- Mobile phones will be allowed at polling booths
- Voting from home for those unable to travel (via Form 12D)
- 1.4 million first-time voters will cast their ballots
- Around 14,000 centenarian voters are registered
- 818 voters per polling station on average for smooth operations
- 100% webcasting at all polling stations
- 1,350 model booths to enhance voter experience
“We are determined to make this election simple and easy for voters,” Mr Kumar added.
“This Is a Constitutional Responsibility”
Asserting the autonomy of the Commission, Mr Kumar reiterated –
“The Election Commission is a constitutional body. Our work is always done in two phases – first, the preparation of the electoral rolls, and second, the conduct of elections.”
He noted that the voter list was shared with all political parties, who were given ample time to raise claims and objections.
“The Holy Land of Bihar Is Ready for Democracy Again”
“The Assembly elections are coming to the holy land of Bihar after five years. We’re fully prepared. Our goal is to ensure this election reflects the highest standards of democracy,” he said with conviction.
In contrast to three phases in 2020 and five phases in 2015, the 2025 elections will be more streamlined, reflecting confidence in the state’s electoral readiness.
Final Word: “One of the Best Elections Ever”
CEC Mr Kumar concluded with a strong message – “We are not just conducting an election. We are building trust. This year’s election in Bihar will set a new standard. That is the Election Commission’s firm intention.”
