Congress criticizes the Election Commission for alleged favoritism toward BJP after Bihar poll dates were announced, calling it a “political alliance.

New Delhi: A political storm erupted soon after the Election Commission (EC) announced the Bihar Assembly election schedule, with the Congress accusing the poll body of acting in sync with the BJP. The EC on Monday declared that voting will take place in two phases on November 6 and 11, while counting is scheduled for November 14.

Congress leader Pawan Khera launched a scathing attack, alleging that the timing of the announcement was strategically chosen to benefit the ruling alliance. “The schedule was released on Monday, just in time for them to distribute money to voters. If this isn’t an alliance between the BJP and the Election Commission, what is?” he said.

Khera further claimed that the EC has ignored key questions raised by the Congress and the INDIA bloc. “They keep creating a narrative about illegal migrants but fail to produce answers or evidence. The poll body’s silence only raises more suspicion,” he told reporters.

In Bihar, 121 constituencies will vote in the first phase and 122 in the second, with nominations closing by mid-October. As the Model Code of Conduct takes effect, the Congress has intensified its charge, framing the issue not just as “vote theft” but as systemic manipulation.

Political observers note that such accusations, recurring in recent elections, highlight the growing distrust between opposition parties and the EC—an issue that could shape public perception ahead of the polls.