Polling Begins for Eight Bihar Legislative Council Seats; Results Due on October 27

Polling began at 8 a.m. on Friday for eight seats in the Bihar Legislative Council, with 150 candidates contesting across graduate and teacher constituencies.

Counting is scheduled for October 27, when the results will determine the representatives elected to the state's Legislative Council.

The election covers four graduate constituencies — Patna, Darbhanga, Tirhut and Kosi — along with four teacher constituencies in Patna, Darbhanga, Tirhut and Saran. Unlike general Assembly elections, graduate constituencies are open only to eligible registered graduates, while teacher constituencies are restricted to eligible teachers.

Of the total electorate, 3,86,199 are men, 1,46,611 are women, and 37 belong to the third gender. Graduate constituencies account for 4,92,594 voters, while the teacher constituencies have a combined electorate of 40,253.

Among the 150 candidates, 90 are contesting graduate seats, and 60 are in the fray for teacher constituencies. Darbhanga Graduates' constituency has the most contestants, with 40 candidates. Patna Teachers' and Saran Teachers' constituencies have 18 candidates each.

The electoral contest features the BJP and Janata Dal (United), both constituents of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), contesting four seats each. Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party has fielded candidates in all eight constituencies. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress and other parties are also contesting, alongside Independent candidates.

**Patna Graduates' Constituency Draws Attention**

Patna Graduates' constituency has emerged as a closely watched contest. JD(U) candidate Neeraj Kumar expressed confidence in his prospects after casting his vote, flashing a victory sign.

However, his campaign has faced opposition from Anant Singh, a JD(U) MLA who has extended support to Jan Suraaj candidate Dr Anuj Kumar.

A total of 134 polling stations have been established for the Patna Graduates' constituency, including 80 in Patna district, 37 in Nalanda and 17 in Nawada.

Voting is being conducted through ballot papers. Once polling concludes, officials will secure the ballot boxes at designated counting centres ahead of the October 27 count.

The results will determine the winners of all eight Legislative Council seats and indicate the performance of the competing parties across Bihar's graduate and teacher constituencies.