Bihar Assembly Elections: Second Phase of Nominations Opens for 122 Seats

Patna — The second phase of nominations for the Bihar Assembly elections commenced on Monday, covering 122 constituencies across the state.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) had earlier issued the notification for the first phase on October 10, which included 121 seats.

In this phase, polling will be conducted in districts including West Champaran, East Champaran, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj, Katihar, Bhagalpur, Banka, Jamui, Nawada, Aurangabad, Rohtas, Kaimur, Gaya, Arwal, and Jehanabad.

The last date for filing nominations is October 20, with scrutiny scheduled for October 21. Candidates can withdraw their nominations until October 23. Polling for the second phase is set for November 11, and results will be declared on November 14. The entire election process is expected to conclude by November 16, according to the ECI schedule.

Voting will generally take place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., while in remote and Naxal-affected areas, polling will end earlier, at 4 p.m., due to security concerns. Several constituencies in Gaya, Aurangabad, Nawada, Munger, Kaimur, Rohtas, West Champaran, Banka, and Lakhisarai have been identified as Naxal-affected.

Special security measures have been implemented, including deployment of additional paramilitary forces, air ambulances, and helicopters to transport polling staff and officials. The Commission has requested 500 companies of paramilitary forces from the Central government to ensure smooth and peaceful elections.

The Bihar Assembly elections are being held in two phases — November 6 and November 11. The first phase covers 121 seats across districts such as Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Buxar, Bhojpur, Patna, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Munger, Saharsa, Madhepura, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, and Begusarai.

Bihar’s Assembly comprises a total of 243 seats.

With inputs from IANS