Polling for eight Bihar Legislative Council seats began at 8 a.m. on Friday, October 23, amid heightened political activity, IANS reported. Voting will continue until 4 p.m., with counting scheduled for October 27 and the entire election process to be completed by October 31.

The election covers four Graduate constituencies — Patna, Darbhanga, Tirhut and Kosi — and four Teachers' constituencies — Patna, Darbhanga, Tirhut and Saran, IANS and The Hindu reported. Unlike Assembly elections, voting in Graduate constituencies is restricted to eligible registered graduates, while only eligible teachers can vote in Teachers' constituencies.

A total of 5,32,847 voters (yaani about 5.32 lakh voters) are eligible — 3,86,199 men, 1,46,611 women and 37 third-gender voters — at 933 polling stations, officials said. Graduate constituencies account for 4,92,594 voters and Teachers' constituencies for 40,253. Of the 150 candidates, 90 are contesting the Graduate seats and 60 the Teachers' seats, with Darbhanga Graduates' constituency fielding the highest number, 40 candidates.

Patna Graduates' seat in focus after JD(U) rift

The Patna Graduates' constituency has emerged as a key battleground. JD(U) candidate Neeraj Kumar, a former minister seeking a fourth consecutive term, cast his vote and flashed a victory sign, expressing confidence in his prospects, IANS reported — a candidate's claim, not a result. The Hindu reported an open rift in the JD(U), with Mokama MLA Anant Singh backing Jan Suraaj Party candidate Anuj Singh against his own party's nominee.

The BJP and the JD(U), both constituents of the ruling NDA, are contesting four seats each, while Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party has fielded candidates in all eight constituencies, IANS reported. The RJD, Congress and other parties are also contesting, with Independent candidates in several constituencies. The sitting members' terms for these eight seats expire on November 16.

Bihar Council polls at a glance

Seats: 8 (4 Graduate + 4 Teachers'). Polling: October 23, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Polling stations: 933. Voters: 5,32,847 (yaani about 5.32 lakh). Candidates: 150. Counting: October 27.

What is solid

  • Polling for eight Bihar Legislative Council seats began at 8 a.m. on October 23 and runs until 4 p.m., with counting on October 27 (IANS; The Hindu).
  • 150 candidates are contesting four Graduate and four Teachers' constituencies, with 5,32,847 eligible voters at 933 polling stations (IANS; The Hindu).
  • Jan Suraaj has fielded candidates in all eight constituencies, while the BJP and JD(U) are contesting four seats each (IANS).

What is only claimed

  • JD(U) candidate Neeraj Kumar's expressed confidence of victory in Patna Graduates' — a candidate's claim, not a result; counting is on October 27.
  • The political significance of the Anant Singh–Anuj Singh backing for the JD(U)'s prospects is reported political analysis, not an established outcome.

Bihar's polling is part of biennial Legislative Council elections being held the same day for 28 seats across Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, according to ANI. Results will follow counting on October 27.