The Election Commission of India has announced the full schedule for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. For the first time in history, voting for all 243 assembly seats will be held in two phases. The first phase will take place on November 6, covering 121 constituencies, and the second phase will be held on November 11 for the remaining 122 seats. The counting of votes and declaration of results will happen on November 14.

This election will be crucial for Bihar as it will decide whether Nitish Kumar-led NDA will continue its rule or if the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) will make a comeback after 20 years. There is also curiosity about whether Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party, contesting for the first time, can make a surprise entry into Bihar politics. To understand the changing politics of Bihar, it’s helpful to look at the past assembly elections from 2000 to 2020.

2000 Elections

In the 2000 elections, the RJD won 124 seats, emerging as the largest party, but it could not secure a majority. Nitish Kumar, who was then with the Samata Party, briefly became Chief Minister but resigned within a week as he couldn’t prove his majority. Later, Rabri Devi of the RJD returned as Chief Minister.

2005 Elections

In 2005, Bihar saw two elections, one in February and another in October. The February election led to a hung assembly, resulting in President’s Rule. In the October re-election, the JD(U)-BJP alliance won a clear majority, and Nitish Kumar became the Chief Minister.

2010 Elections

In 2010, the NDA won a massive victory with 206 out of 243 seats, JD(U) won 115 seats, and BJP got 91. The RJD managed only 22 seats.

2015 Elections

In 2015, the tables turned. The Grand Alliance of RJD, JD(U), and Congress secured 178 seats, defeating the BJP. The RJD became the largest party with 80 seats, and Nitish Kumar again became Chief Minister.

2020 Elections

In 2020, the NDA returned to power with 125 seats. The BJP emerged stronger with 74 seats, while JD(U) got 43, becoming the junior partner. The RJD remained the largest single party with 75 seats, but the NDA managed to form the government once again under Nitish Kumar.

The upcoming 2025 election will now decide Bihar’s political future, whether voters choose continuity under Nitish Kumar or change under Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD or Prashant Kishor’s new alternative.