Bihar Assembly Elections 2025: Schools Closed for First Phase Voting
Closure of Educational Institutions for Voting
In preparation for the initial phase of the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections, all educational institutions, including schools and colleges, will be closed in 17 districts to facilitate a smooth voting experience.
As the election date approaches, the Bihar state administration is implementing crucial measures to ensure voter safety and convenience. Consequently, all educational establishments in districts designated for the first voting phase will be shut down.
This decision aims to promote a seamless voting process. The administration has noted that numerous polling stations are located within school and college premises, and closing these institutions will not obstruct voting. It will also enable teachers and staff to engage in the electoral process.
Districts Affected by the Closure
The first phase of voting will occur in 17 districts across North and South Bihar, including:
- Patna
- Darbhanga
- Madhepura
- Saharsa
- Muzaffarpur
- Gopalganj
- Siwan
- Saran
- Vaishali
- Samastipur
- Begusarai
- Lakhisarai
- Munger
- Sheikhpura
- Nalanda
- Buxar
- Bhojpur
Voting will occur from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on polling day, with the Election Commission mandating the closure of all government and private educational institutions in these districts to support voter and polling personnel arrangements.
Voting Schedule and Candidate Nominations
The nomination process for candidates in the first phase is currently underway, with the deadline for filing nominations set for October 17th. Nomination scrutiny will occur on October 18th, and candidates can withdraw their nominations until October 20th. The first phase of voting is scheduled for the last week of October, followed by the second phase on November 11th, with results for both phases to be announced on November 14th.
Constituencies Involved in the First Phase
Voting will take place in several assembly constituencies during the first phase, including:
- Alamnagar
- Bihariganj
- Singheshwar
- Madhepura
- Saharsa
- Kusheshwarsthan
- Darbhanga Rural
- Benipur
- Jale
- Muzaffarpur
- Kanti
- Gopalganj
- Siwan
- Vaishali
- Samastipur
- Begusarai
- Munger
- Nalanda
- Patna Sahib
- Fatuha
- Danapur
- Ara
- Buxar
The election atmosphere is intensifying in these regions, with ongoing voter awareness campaigns aimed at maximizing participation.
Security Measures for the Elections
The Election Commission has announced comprehensive security measures for the first phase of voting. Approximately 850,000 personnel will be deployed statewide, including:
- 450,000 polling staff
- 250,000 police officers
- 28,000 counting personnel
- 18,000 micro observers
Security forces will be stationed at all polling locations to ensure that the voting process is conducted peacefully and fairly.