Is Bihar Ready for Counting on November 14 with Enhanced Security?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Three-tier security ensures the integrity of the counting process.
- 46 counting centres across Bihar, including Patna.
- Continuous CCTV monitoring for transparency.
- All EVMs stored securely in strong rooms.
- 1,050 officials trained for the counting day.
Patna, Nov 12 (NationPress) Following the conclusion of the polling for both phases of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has ramped up its preparations for the vote counting scheduled on November 14.
Counting will take place at 46 centres statewide, including Patna, featuring a robust three-tier security arrangement to guarantee a transparent and seamless process.
An ECI official confirmed that the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are securely housed in strong rooms adjacent to each counting centre.
These facilities are monitored via 24-hour CCTV surveillance, allowing candidates and their representatives to view the footage for complete transparency.
All EVMs will be removed from strong rooms at specified times and transported to counting halls under stringent security measures. The ECI has instructed all district election officers to comply strictly with its protocols.
A specialized inspection team from ECI headquarters recently assessed all strong rooms. During this review, a minor technical issue with the CCTV display at one centre was promptly resolved.
The official stated that all cameras are now fully operational, and video feeds have been shown to representatives of the contesting candidates.
To bolster reliability, backup power grids have been installed at each monitoring centre.
During the two phases of polling, a total of 35 complaints were lodged—five in the first and thirty in the second phase regarding the strong rooms—and all were addressed swiftly.
Dedicated monitoring rooms have been established at both district and state levels to manage these incidents.
For the counting operation, 1,050 officials and staff are undergoing training in two phases—the first session was completed on November 10, while the second is set for November 13.
On counting day, security will be jointly administered by the Central Armed Forces and district police, utilizing a three-layer cordon: the first ring protecting the strong rooms, the second securing the counting halls, and the third ensuring order in the outer perimeters of all centres.
Officials have indicated that all arrangements are under continuous scrutiny to ensure a fair, transparent, and incident-free counting day on November 14.