Kathmandu/Lucknow: In a precautionary move ahead of the second phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, authorities along the Nepal-India border have temporarily closed all cross-border points for a period of 72 hours, starting from Saturday evening. The decision comes in response to security concerns associated with the upcoming polling scheduled for November 11, 2025, in Bihar, one of India’s most politically significant states.

The closure affects several districts along the border, including Sarlahi, Mahottari, and Rauthat. Mahottari district, in particular, has sealed all eleven of its official border points with India, halting routine cross-border movement except for emergency situations. Sanjay Kumar Pokhrel, the Assistant Chief District Officer of Mahottari, confirmed that the border closure began at 6 PM on Saturday and will continue until 6 PM on Tuesday. “From a security perspective, the halt in movement across these borders is necessary to ensure the integrity of the elections in Bihar,” Pokhrel said. Local authorities have also issued a high alert across the border districts, mobilizing security personnel to monitor the situation and maintain law and order.

This temporary sealing of the border, which has become a routine security measure during election periods in both Nepal and India, aims to prevent any unauthorized movement, smuggling, or other activities that could disrupt the electoral process. Security coordination between Nepalese and Indian officials has intensified during this period, with both sides closely monitoring the flow of people and goods across the border. Residents and traders along the border have been notified about the suspension of movement and advised to plan accordingly.

The move underscores the scale and significance of the Bihar elections, which are being held in multiple phases across the state. The second phase of voting will cover 122 constituencies across 20 districts. In the first phase, polling was conducted in 121 seats spanning 18 districts, marking the start of what is expected to be a highly competitive electoral exercise. This phase alone has 1,302 candidates in the fray, of which 136, or roughly 10 percent, are women. Voting will be conducted at 45,399 polling centers, with the total electorate comprising 3.70 crore eligible voters, including 1.95 crore men and 1.74 crore women.

Historically, Bihar’s elections have had a profound impact on the political landscape of the state and the broader regional balance of power. In the 2020 elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 42 of the 122 constituencies going to the second phase, followed by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) with 33 seats, Janata Dal (United) with 20, the Congress with 11, and the Left parties with five. Comparatively, during the 2015 election, when the JD(U) and RJD contested as allies, the BJP’s tally was reduced to 36 seats, while the JD(U)-RJD-Congress alliance secured a combined 80 constituencies. These trends highlight the competitive nature of Bihar politics, where alliances and voter dynamics can significantly alter outcomes between election cycles.

The border closure also has broader implications for trade, movement of daily commuters, and local businesses that rely on cross-border interaction. Nepalese authorities have clarified that exceptions will be made only for emergency cases, and routine movement, including trade and non-essential travel, will remain suspended during this 72-hour period. While these restrictions may cause temporary disruptions, they are viewed as necessary to safeguard the electoral process and prevent any attempts at interference or manipulation.

Security forces from both countries have reportedly been conducting joint patrols and monitoring activities along the border to ensure smooth enforcement of the closure. This coordination reflects the long-standing practice of cooperation between Nepal and India during sensitive electoral periods. The authorities’ proactive measures aim not only to secure the voting process but also to maintain peace and stability in the bordering regions.

Local populations living near the border have been urged to comply with the restrictions and avoid unnecessary movement until normalcy is restored post-elections. Authorities have emphasized that such measures, though temporarily inconvenient, are crucial for ensuring a fair and transparent voting process in Bihar, one of India’s most politically influential states.

As polling approaches, the political stakes remain high. The Bihar Assembly elections are being closely watched nationally, given the state’s historical role as a barometer of political trends in North India. The outcome of the second phase, covering a large and diverse electorate, could significantly influence the formation of government and the balance of power among the major political parties in the state.

In sum, the temporary closure of border points along Nepal and India represents a precautionary but vital security measure ahead of one of India’s most closely contested elections. With high voter turnout expected, authorities from both countries are working in tandem to ensure that the electoral process is conducted smoothly, without any disruptions caused by cross-border movements. The coming days will not only determine the results of the second phase of polling but also serve as a test of administrative coordination and security preparedness in the sensitive regions adjoining the India-Nepal border.

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