The ECI has been working to cap the number of electors per polling station at 1,200, down from the earlier ceiling of 1,500. This is aimed at shortening queues and ensuring smoother conduct of polling, especially in densely populated or rural areas. The Commission is also focused on ensuring that voters do not have to travel more than 2 kilometres to reach their assigned booths, wherever possible.
In Bihar, this rationalisation exercise has led to the creation of 12,817 new polling stations, increasing the total from 77,895 to 90,712. This makes Bihar the first state to complete the restructuring exercise under the ECI’s new guidelines.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is currently underway in the state, following the ECI’s directive dated June 24, 2025. As per the schedule, the draft rolls will be published on August 1, including the names of all individuals who submitted enumeration forms during the revision.
The development comes ahead of the crucial Bihar Assembly elections, expected to be held between October and November 2025. Voting will take place for all 243 seats in the state legislature, whose term ends on November 22.
The election is shaping up to be a contest between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United), and the INDIA alliance, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress.
Also Read: Bihar elections: 11 seats where winning margin was less than 1,000 in 2020 state polls | Full list
