**Gyanesh Kumar-led ECI Team Visits Patna; Bihar Poll Dates Expected Soon**
*By Snehil Singh | October 4, 2025, 1:06 PM*
A delegation from the Election Commission of India (ECI), headed by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, is currently in Patna to review preparations for the upcoming Bihar Legislative Assembly elections. The team also includes Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.
As part of their visit, an all-party meeting with representatives from the 12 recognized political parties is underway at the Taj Hotel, chaired by CEC Kumar. This meeting serves as a platform to discuss the election process and ensure smooth conduct of the polls.
### Election Preparations Underway
The ECI traditionally visits the state just days before announcing the election schedule. With the Bihar Assembly’s term concluding on November 22, the elections must be held before that date. Ahead of the team’s visit, the ECI briefed General, Police, and Expenditure Observers who will act as Central Observers for these elections, as well as some upcoming by-elections.
### Observer Briefing and Their Role
A total of 425 officers, including IAS, IPS, and IRS personnel, participated in a detailed briefing held at IIIDEM in New Delhi. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar described these observers as “the beacons of democracy,” underlining their critical role in ensuring free and fair elections.
He urged the observers to thoroughly familiarize themselves with all election laws and remain accessible to political parties, candidates, and voters for grievance redressal throughout the electoral process.
### Constitutional Mandate for Central Observers
The ECI appoints Central Observers under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. These observers are vital in maintaining transparency and effective management of elections on the ground.
### Poll Dates Expected Shortly
Although the official dates for Bihar’s Assembly elections have not yet been announced, sources suggest the ECI is likely to declare them on October 6 or 7. With the preparatory groundwork in place, Bihar is gearing up for a crucial electoral exercise in the coming weeks.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/gyanesh-kumar-led-ec-team-visits-patna-poll-dates-expected-soon/story