Patna: Will elections be held in Bihar after Chhath Puja? Such questions are swirling after the ECI’s two-day visit. A meeting of political parties on Saturday also urged holding elections after Chhath Puja. The Election Commission held a press conference on Sunday, but no information was provided regarding the election dates. The Chief Election Commissioner provided information on election preparations.
Greetings in Bihari Style: At the press conference on Sunday, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar first greeted the people of Bihar in a Bihari style, first in Bhojpuri and then in Maithili. Linking Chhath Puja to the celebrations, Gyanesh Kumar said that just as we celebrate Chhath Puja, we should also celebrate voting.
Elections to end before November 22nd: While the election dates have not been announced, the Commissioner stated that the elections will be completed before November 22nd. A meeting was held with the Chief Secretary and DGP, along with the SPs, DMs, IGs, and Commissioners of all districts. The training of all booth-level agents from Bihar has been completed in Delhi.
700 booth-level agents from across the country have been trained. Previously, police officers were trained in districts, but this time it was conducted in Delhi. SIR began on June 24, 2025, and concluded on time. Booth-level officers and officials were also trained.” – Gyanesh Kumar, Chief Election Commissioner, ECI
Voter ID card distribution within 15 days: Gyanesh Kumar explained that previously, there were delays in receiving voter cards. Therefore, this time, arrangements have been made to ensure that voter ID cards are received within 15 days. Photo ID cards have now been issued to booth-level officers. Mobile phones will not be allowed inside the polling station, so a mobile phone will be placed next to the booth. This arrangement will be implemented at all 90,000 polling booths.
Voting information on the app: All voters will now receive their voter ID number and address, which will be written in bold on the slip. Gyanesh Kumar explained that we have now created a “one-stop digital platform.” This will be implemented, providing up-to-date information related to voting.
A total of 1,200 voters per booth: A maximum of 1,200 reporters per polling station has now been set. Voter lines used to swell at polling stations, so the Commission has decided that no polling station will have more than 1,200 voters. Candidates’ polling agents used to be stationed far apart, but now the limit has been reduced to within 100 meters.
Candidates’ photographs in color: Webcasting arrangements have been made at all polling booths in Bihar. In response to complaints from candidates, the Election Commission has decided that EVMs will now feature candidates’ photographs in color, along with their serial numbers in bold. Any mismatch in EVM counting will be recounted, as will the case for postal ballots.
Preparation of digital index cards: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated that previously, index cards were provided very late after the election. But now, people will be able to view the digital index card only a few hours after the election ends. This facility will be very useful for the media. Polling Agent Responsibility: Gyanesh Kumar said, “We request all parties to have their polling agents at polling stations. This is very important. All agents must witness the mock poll in person.” Form 17-C means that a mock poll is conducted at every polling station. The mock poll is conducted in front of the parties’ polling agents.
What should those whose names are left out do?: Regarding SIR, he said, “It has been decided to conduct it before the elections. The Commission is legally obligated to conduct the revision before the elections. The Commission has to do it. Booth-level officers went to homes to count the votes. Those whose names were left out were given time from August 1st to September 1st. There is still time after September 1st. If parties feel that any eligible names were left out, they can file a claim.”
Cooperation of Bihar Voters: Regarding SIR, he said, “Over 7 crore voters in Bihar have participated enthusiastically.” Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated that voter cards contain name, age, and address, so the list will be sent within 15 days of finalization. The Election Commission has spoken with all parties and will soon decide on the number of phases of the election.
What was said about Aadhaar Cards: Gyanesh Kumar stated that the Commission had requested Aadhaar cards in the immunization form. Aadhaar cards are not proof of citizenship under the Aadhaar Act. Aadhaar is proof of identity. According to Article 326 of the Constitution, if a voter is a citizen of India and above 18 years of age, they cannot be linked to Aadhaar. Aadhaar fields can also be changed.
There’s Still a Chance to Complain: Gyanesh Kumar stated that all the names deleted, initially 6.5 million and then 3.66 million, have been deleted. Anyone with a complaint can file them with the District Magistrate of their district. Information about the deleted names has been provided to all political parties, and there is no problem with this. The names of voters who are not citizens of India, who have migrated, and whose names appear in two places should be deleted from the voter list.
