Bihar Elections
Bihar Elections 2025 : ndia (ECI) has made a major announcement ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, ensuring that every eligible voter gets a fair chance to exercise their democratic right. The Commission stated that all voters in Bihar, as well as those in constituencies where by-elections are being held, will be entitled to paid leave on polling days.
This decision comes as part of the ECI’s continued effort to encourage maximum voter participation in the electoral process.
🗳 Bihar Elections 2025: What Did the Election Commission Say?
In an official statement released on Saturday, the Election Commission reaffirmed that voters in Bihar—where polling will take place in two phases next month—must be granted paid leave by their employers on election days.
The ECI clarified that this rule also applies to voters in eight assembly constituencies across other states where by-elections are scheduled for November 11, 2025.
Referring to Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Commission explained:
“Every person engaged in any trade, business, industrial work, or employment who is entitled to vote in an election to the Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assembly shall be granted a paid holiday on the day of polling.”
The ECI also stressed that no salary deduction shall be made for this day, ensuring that financial loss does not become a barrier to voting.
⚠️ Strict Warning for Employers
To maintain transparency and compliance, the Election Commission has issued a clear warning to all employers:
“Any employer who fails to comply with these rules and denies paid leave to eligible voters will face penalties.”
The Commission also emphasized that daily wage and casual workers fall under this protection. This means that every individual, regardless of their employment type or income level, has the right to paid leave on polling day.
👷 Paid Leave Even for Workers Outside Their Constituency
In a noteworthy addition, the ECI stated that even voters who work outside their home constituencies—whether in industrial, commercial, or private sectors—are entitled to a paid holiday if they are registered voters in Bihar or any other constituency going to polls.
This provision is intended to make sure that no voter is left behind, even if they are working in another city or district.
The Election Commission has also urged state governments to issue the necessary administrative orders to ensure strict enforcement of this rule across all sectors.
📅 Bihar Elections 2025: Schedule and Key Dates
The Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 will be held in two phases:
- Phase 1: November 6, 2025
- Phase 2: November 11, 2025
The counting of votes will take place on November 14, 2025.
These elections will decide the fate of 243 Assembly seats, setting the stage for a major political battle between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and the Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) headed by Tejashwi Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).
🗳️ A Step Toward Greater Voter Participation
The ECI’s move to enforce paid leave for all voters sends a strong message about the importance of inclusive democracy. Ensuring that no one misses out on voting due to work obligations reinforces the spirit of free and fair elections.
With this proactive measure, the Election Commission aims to boost voter turnout and strengthen the democratic process in Bihar and across India.
✅ Key Highlights at a Glance
- Paid leave for all voters in Bihar and by-election constituencies.
- Applicable to daily wage, casual, and industrial workers.
- No salary deduction for employees on polling day.
- Strict penalties for employers violating the rule.
- Polling dates: November 6 & 11, 2025.
- Result date: November 14, 2025.
🗣 Conclusion: Strengthening Democracy, One Vote at a Time
The Bihar Elections 2025 are not just a political event but a celebration of India’s democratic fabric. The Election Commission’s decision to provide paid leave on polling days ensures that every citizen can participate without fear of losing income.
As the countdown to the polls begins, this step is expected to significantly increase voter turnout, making democracy more inclusive and participatory than ever before.
Bihar Elections: No Salary Cut, Paid Leave for Voters
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