The much-awaited Bihar elections will take place in two phases, on November 6 and November 11, and the results will be announced on November 14, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Monday.

Meanwhile, bye-elections to eight assembly constituencies in J&K, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Telangana, Punjab, Mizoram and Odisha will take place on November 11, and the votes will be counted on November 14.

In both cases, ‘Model Code of Conduct’ comes into effect immediately from the announcement of schedule, the ECI said.

In Bihar, 7.42 crore voters in 243 constituencies will decide the future of the NDA government led by chief minister Nitish Kumar (which includes JD-U, BJP and several regional parties). Its main rival is the Congress-RJD alliance which also includes the Left parties.

The outcome of the keenly contested Bihar elections will also shape the contours of national political landscape.

The bye-elections are:

1. Jammu and Kashmir: Budgam (Due to the resignation of Omar Abdullah

2. Jammu and Kashmir: Nagrota (Due to the death of Devender Singh Rana)

3. Rajasthan: Anta (Due to the disqualification of Kanwarlal)

4. Jharkhand: Ghatsila (ST) (Due to the death of Ramdas Soren)

5. Telangana: Jubilee Hills (Due to the death of Maganti Gopinath)

6. Punjab: Tarn Taran (Due to the death of Dr. Kashmir Singh Sohal)

7. Mizoram: Dampa (ST) (Due to the death of Lalrintluanga Saila)

8. Odisha: Nuapada (Due to the death of Rajendra Dholakia)