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Bihar Elections 2025 News
The Election Commission of India has announced a surprising structure for the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections 2025. This time, the voting will be conducted in two phases the first on November 6 and the second on November 11, with results to be declared on November 14. Remarkably, this is the first time in nearly forty years that Bihar will witness a two-phase assembly election.
This decision has revived memories of a politically volatile past when multi-phase elections were often marked by intense rivalry, instability, and large-scale violence.
A Look Back at 1985: When Bihar Witnessed Two-Phase Polls
The last two-phase election in Bihar was held in 1985, a period marked by political churn and dramatic shifts in power. The Congress emerged victorious that year, securing a massive 196 seats, while the Janata Party (which later evolved into Janata Dal) became the principal opposition. The BJP, still in its early years of growth, managed to secure just 1 seats.
That assembly tenure remains notable because four different chief ministers held office during the same period Bindeshwari Dubey, Bhagwat Jha Azad, Satyendra Narayan Sinha, and Jagannath Mishra. The constant power shifts reflected the deep political instability and internal rivalries that characterized Bihar’s politics at the time.
Violence and Chaos: The Dark Side of Elections
The 1985 elections were marred by widespread violence and unrest. Reports indicated that 69 people lost their lives, and over 1,300 incidents of violence were recorded across the state. On the day of polling alone, 49 people were killed, and 310 violent clashes were reported.
Districts such as Masaurhi, Hatiya, and Nalanda were among the worst affected. To maintain control, nearly 200 companies of paramilitary forces were deployed, alongside state police and home guards. Despite these measures, the atmosphere remained tense, highlighting how elections in Bihar often tested the limits of democracy and law enforcement.
Present Challenges: Modern Politics and Complex Alliances
Four decades later, Bihar stands transformed politically, socially, and digitally. Voter awareness has grown significantly, and social media now plays a major role in shaping election narratives. However, the decision to revert to a two-phase format evokes echoes of the past, suggesting that security, logistics, and regional sensitivities remain key concerns.
Currently, the Bihar Assembly composition reflects a competitive landscape: BJP holds- 80 seats, RJD -77, and JD(U) 45, while Congress trails with 19. In such a fragmented setup, coalition politics will once again play a decisive role In determining the state’s future government.
The Real Implications of Two-Phase Polling
The two-phase format brings both advantages and challenges:
1. Security Concerns – Dividing polling days allows for better deployment of security forces but also complicates coordination.
2. Strategic Adjustments – Political parties may alter their approach between phases, using early results or voter sentiment as leverage.
3. Voter Behavior– The experience of the first phase could influence turnout and mood in the second, either motivating or discouraging voters.
4. Extended Tension– The gap between phases could prolong political uncertainty and fuel speculation until final results are out.
PARTING THOUGHS
The Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 are shaping up to be a historic and high-stakes political event. Conducting polls in two phases after four decades is not merely an administrative choice it’s a reflection of Bihar’s enduring political complexities and its evolving democratic fabric. This election could become a turning point, testing not just the strength of political alliances but also the trust of voters in a state that has long been a mirror of India’s larger political story.
As November approaches, Bihar once again stands at a crossroads between its turbulent past and the promise of a more stable political future.
