The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday announced the schedule for the Bihar Assembly election, with polling to take place in two phases — on November 6 and November 11 — and counting on November 14.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, addressing a press conference, also clarified the use of Aadhaar cards in voter enrolment after NDTV sought details on the number of voters added based on Aadhaar.
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Kumar said that while the Supreme Court had permitted Aadhaar as the 12th identity document for registration, it cannot be used as proof of citizenship or domicile.
“The Supreme Court said Aadhaar can be used as an identity document, but Section 9 of the Aadhaar Act clearly states it is neither proof of citizenship nor domicile,” he noted, adding that previous judgments had also ruled out Aadhaar as proof of date of birth.
He further stressed that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar was conducted transparently to ensure accuracy in voter lists. Addressing concerns raised by political parties, Kumar said initial apprehensions faded once the process became more transparent.
According to the ECI, 121 Assembly constituencies will go to polls in the first phase and 122 in the second. The Commission also announced eight by-polls across seven states, with results scheduled for November 14.
