The upcoming Bihar assembly elections have sparked a difference of opinion within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), as its key partners, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], have presented contrasting proposals to the Election Commission regarding the polling schedule. While both parties remain aligned on contesting together, their recommendations to the Election Commission reflect distinct priorities — one focusing on logistical efficiency and cost reduction, the other emphasizing voter convenience and local conditions.

BJP proposes two-phase polling for efficiency

According to submissions made during consultations with the Election Commission in Patna, the BJP has advocated for conducting the Bihar assembly elections in no more than two phases. Party representatives argued that limiting the process to two rounds would help reduce administrative expenses and streamline security deployment across constituencies. The BJP’s suggestion aligns with similar appeals from several other political parties that view multi-phase elections as resource-intensive and time-consuming. By minimizing the number of phases, they believe the electoral process can be completed more swiftly without compromising transparency or fairness.

JD(U) favors single-day voting

In contrast, NDA ally JD(U) has urged the Election Commission to hold all voting on a single day. The party emphasized that Bihar’s current law and order situation is conducive to conducting polls across all constituencies simultaneously. JD(U) leaders also highlighted that a one-day election could encourage higher voter participation, particularly during the Chhath festival period when many residents return to their hometowns. The party believes this approach would make it easier for citizens to vote without disrupting cultural observances or travel plans associated with the festival season.

Election Commission reviews state preparations

The Election Commission is currently assessing ground-level arrangements in Patna and other districts before finalizing the election schedule. Officials are reviewing security measures, logistical readiness, and administrative coordination required for either a single-phase or multi-phase poll. These consultations are part of standard pre-election procedures aimed at ensuring free and fair voting across all regions of Bihar. The final decision on the number of phases will depend on factors such as geography, infrastructure, security deployment capacity, and weather conditions during the proposed polling period.

Balancing cost, convenience, and security

The differing recommendations from BJP and JD(U) underscore how logistical considerations often intersect with political strategy in large-scale elections like Bihar’s. While cost efficiency remains an important factor for many parties, ensuring accessibility for voters — especially during major festivals — is equally significant in shaping turnout rates and public satisfaction with the process. Analysts note that both approaches carry merits: fewer phases can reduce expenditure but may strain administrative resources; conversely, a single-day poll could simplify logistics but require extensive coordination among security forces across all districts simultaneously.

The Election Commission’s final decision will aim to balance these competing priorities while maintaining transparency and inclusivity in one of India’s most politically active states. Regardless of whether Bihar votes in one phase or two, both NDA partners appear committed to ensuring a smooth democratic exercise that reflects public participation across urban and rural constituencies alike.