Bihar Elections 2025 / SIR, Aadhaar, webcasting, 10 key takeaways from ECI's PC on Bihar elections

Bihar Elections 2025: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar held a press conference on Sunday regarding the Bihar Assembly elections. During the conference, he shared several important information related to the elections. He clarified that the election process will be completed before November 22, 2025. Responding to a question at the press conference, the CEC said that 17C means that mock polls will be conducted at every polling station, which will be mandatory in front of the candidates. He appealed to all political parties to deploy their polling agents at the polling stations. Let's take a look at 10 key points from the press conference:

Bihar Assembly Elections to be Held on Time

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar clarified that the term of the Bihar Legislative Assembly ends on November 22, 2025, and the election process will be completed before that time. The Election Commission has completed its preparations and has developed a strategy with Bihar officials. This will allow the new government to begin its term on time.

Make voting a festival like Chhath Puja

At the beginning of the press conference, Gyanesh Kumar appealed to the people in Bhojpuri, a Bihari style. He said that just as Chhath Puja is celebrated with enthusiasm, voting should also be celebrated like a festival. He appealed to all voters to vote enthusiastically.

Special Training for Booth Level Officers for the First Time

The CEC stated that for the first time, 700 booth level agents and 90,217 BLOs across the country have received special training in Delhi. This step was taken to ensure fair and transparent elections. Representatives of political parties have also been briefed on the process.

Voter List Correction, Now Implemented Nationwide

Gyanesh Kumar stated that the Voter List Correction (SIR) began on June 24, 2025. It was completed after several rounds, and an opportunity to submit objections was also provided from August 1 to September 1. During this period, many names were added. Now, this process will be implemented nationwide.

Aadhaar Card Acceptable, But Not Mandatory

The CEC stated that the Aadhaar card is not proof of citizenship, but is acceptable for identification. As per the Supreme Court's directive, Aadhaar will remain optional. Therefore, there is no need for panic.

Color Photos and Larger Fonts on EVMs

In light of complaints from candidates about EVMs, their photos will now appear in color and their names in larger font. This change has been made to facilitate identification, which was also demanded by political parties.

Mandatory Mock Polls at Every Booth

Gyanesh Kumar stated that mock polls will be mandatory at every polling station. All parties have been urged to deploy their polling agents so they can observe the mock poll process and ensure fairness.

Rule to Reduce Crowds at Polling Stations

A new rule has been introduced that limits the number of voters at any polling station to 1,200. This will prevent voters from waiting in long queues. Local authorities will control the crowds.

Webcasting will increase transparency

Webcasting will be implemented at all polling stations to monitor the election process and prevent any irregularities. Political party agents will be able to report any problems immediately.

Steps Towards Digital India

The CEC stated that digital processes have been promoted in this election. Voters will have immediate access to digital index cards. Additionally, a one-stop digital platform has been created where all election-related information will be available.