Bihar Election Commission Confirms November 6 as Earliest Possible Poll Date After Chhath Festival

The Election Commission announced Bihar polls immediately after returning from the state.

New Delhi:

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar addressed on Monday that November 6 was "perhaps" the earliest date possible for conducting Bihar assembly elections, responding to political parties' demands for polls right after the Chhath festival.

During their meeting with the Election Commission in Patna on Saturday, various parties requested early elections following Chhath to ensure higher voter turnout.

The Commission announced the election schedule promptly after returning from Bihar. Kumar explained that considering notification requirements, nomination periods, and campaign time, "perhaps holding polls before this was not possible."

Bihar elections will be conducted in two phases on November 6 and 11, with vote counting scheduled for November 14. The results will determine whether Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's ruling NDA government remains in power or if the opposition alliance including RJD and Congress succeeds in its challenge.

On Saturday, political parties from Bihar collectively urged the Election Commission to schedule assembly elections "immediately after" the Chhath festival to maximize voter participation.

Chhath, a major festival in Bihar celebrated six days after Diwali, will be observed from October 25-28 this year.

During their meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Kumar and Election Commissioners S S Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, representatives from six national and six state parties also advocated for conducting elections in the fewest possible phases.

Many Bihar residents who work outside the state typically return home for Diwali and Chhath celebrations, which would potentially increase voter turnout if elections were held during this period.