The Election Commission of India on Wednesday announced the schedule for biennial elections to nine seats of the Bihar Legislative Council, along with a bypoll for the seat currently held by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The elections are expected to take place in June 2026, with the notification to be issued on May 31.
Details of the Elections
According to the EC, the biennial elections will be held for nine MLC seats that are falling vacant due to the retirement of members in June. Additionally, a bypoll will be conducted for the seat vacated by Nitish Kumar, who was elected to the council in 2020 but later became Chief Minister. The bypoll is necessary as Kumar's term was cut short due to his election as an MLA.
Key Dates
- Issue of Notification: May 31, 2026
- Last Date of Nominations: June 7, 2026
- Scrutiny of Nominations: June 8, 2026
- Last Date for Withdrawal: June 10, 2026
- Date of Poll: June 17, 2026
- Counting of Votes: June 20, 2026
The elections will be held through a single transferable vote system, with members of the Bihar Legislative Assembly forming the electorate. The EC has urged all political parties to adhere to the Model Code of Conduct during the election period.
Political Significance
The bypoll for Nitish Kumar's seat is particularly significant as it will test the ruling Mahagathbandhan's strength in the council. The opposition BJP has already announced that it will contest the bypoll aggressively. Kumar, who leads the JD(U), has been in power since 2022 after switching alliances. The council elections are seen as a precursor to the 2026 assembly elections in Bihar.
The EC also announced that necessary arrangements have been made to ensure free and fair elections, including the deployment of micro-observers and videography at polling stations. The commission has asked the state government to provide adequate security during the process.
