Patna: The process of filing nomination papers for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections commenced on Friday, marking the formal start of the electoral process in the state. Officials confirmed that nominations have opened for 121 assembly constituencies scheduled to go to polls in the first phase.
According to the Election Commission’s notification, candidates may submit their nomination papers until 17 October, while the scrutiny of nominations will be conducted the following day. The first phase of polling is set to take place on 6 November.
The commission has instructed district election officers to ensure transparency and adherence to the Model Code of Conduct. All returning officers have been directed to maintain video surveillance at nomination centres and to provide adequate security arrangements during the filing period.
Officials said that election preparations, including deployment of polling personnel and training of staff, are already under way. Voter awareness programmes and systematic voter education initiatives have also been intensified to ensure higher participation.
The Election Commission has reiterated that all candidates must file complete affidavits detailing their assets, liabilities, criminal antecedents, and educational qualifications, as required under the Representation of the People Act. Nomination papers will be accepted only during designated hours at the respective district headquarters.
The Bihar Assembly comprises 243 seats, and the elections will be conducted in multiple phases. The announcement of the polling schedule has already set off political activity across the state, with major parties finalising their lists of candidates and gearing up for campaigns.
Security agencies have been asked to assess sensitive constituencies and coordinate with local administrations to ensure peaceful polling. The state police, in consultation with central forces, will soon begin the movement of personnel to critical districts.
With the filing of nominations now under way, Bihar has officially entered the election season one that is expected to witness intense political contests and shifting alliances in the run-up to the November polls.
