The Election Commission of India has tightened campaign rules for the Bihar Assembly elections and by-elections for eight assembly seats. According to the new guidelines, no political party, candidate, organization, or individual is allowed to publish ads in print media on the day of voting or the day before.
As per the updated directives, advertisements in print media cannot be published on election day or the day before without pre-certification from the state or district level Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC). This move is designed to maintain transparency and fairness during the campaign period.
The Election Commission made it clear that during the Bihar Assembly elections, no political advertisement can appear in print media without prior certification from MCMC. This is particularly enforced on the day of voting and the day before. For the first phase (November 6, 2025), the restricted days are November 5 and 6, while for the second phase (November 11, 2025), the restrictions apply on November 10 and 11.
The aim of this regulation is to provide an equal opportunity for all parties and candidates for campaigning and to prevent any misleading content.
Applicants must apply for MCMC pre-certification at least two days before the proposed publishing date of an ad. For instance, if an advertisement is to be published on November 6, the application must be submitted by November 4. MCMC committees formed at the state and district levels will review these ads and make prompt decisions. The Commission ensures that there is no delay in the review process, and certification is granted in a timely manner.
The Election Commission has set the polling dates for the Bihar Assembly elections and by-elections for eight assembly seats on November 6, 2025 (first phase) and November 11, 2025 (second phase). The vote counting will take place on November 14. During this period, 243 assembly seats are contested, with a tough competition expected between the NDA and the Grand Alliance. Through strict regulations, the commission aims to maintain a clean and fair campaigning environment.
