Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Friday, 6 November 2026, chaired a high-level review meeting via video conferencing from his official residence in Patna to assess law and order, security, cleanliness, and essential arrangements ahead of Diwali, Kali Puja, and Chhath festivals. The Chief Minister directed round-the-clock patrolling, Quick Response Teams (QRTs) in every district, and strict electrical safety protocols at Chhath ghats across the state.

Key Directives from the Review Meeting

Choudhary stressed that a large number of Bihari migrants living in other states and abroad return home during the festive season, and must experience a sense of security and positive change upon arrival. He directed District Magistrates (DMs) and police officials to remain highly vigilant and ensure all preparations are completed on time.

The Chief Minister ordered the deployment of adequate police personnel statewide and instructed officials to constitute Quick Response Teams (QRTs) at every level. He specifically called for round-the-clock patrolling around railway stations and bus stands, with prompt action mandated in the event of any untoward incident.

Special Focus on Chhath Ghats and Cleanliness

'Chhath is the pride of Bihar and an important part of our cultural identity. Special attention must be paid to the convenience, safety and cleanliness of devotees,' Choudhary said during the meeting. He directed DMs to personally monitor sanitation at railway stations, bus stands, public places, and Chhath ghats, and called for local volunteers to be actively involved in arrangements.

Electrical safety drew particular emphasis. 'Ensure the presence of local swimmers at Chhath ghats in villages. Electrical safety must be given the highest priority, and exposed live wires must not be used under any circumstances,' he said. Local swimmers at village ghats were also mandated to be present for water safety.

Social Harmony and Anti-Fake News Measures

Choudhary asked public representatives and officials to visit Dalit and Mahadalit settlements and celebrate festivals alongside residents to promote social harmony and communal brotherhood. QRTs were also specifically tasked with countering misleading information and fake news during the festive period — a measure that reflects growing concern over communally sensitive rumours during major festivals.

Development and Administrative Agenda

Beyond festival preparations, the Chief Minister announced that he would begin visiting different districts after 25 November. Regular reviews of development schemes will commence from 16 November, with emphasis on implementation and progress. DMs and Superintendents of Police (SPs) were directed to hold monthly meetings with industrialists to address concerns, facilitate investment, and generate employment.

Officials were also asked to expedite land acquisition for development projects and publicise steps being taken to resolve public grievances. An appeal encouraging affluent households to voluntarily surrender the benefit of the 125-unit electricity subsidy was also directed to be promoted. Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit and Director General of Police (DGP) Preeta Verma briefed the Chief Minister on law and order preparations during the meeting.

With Chhath among Bihar's most significant festivals and millions of diaspora expected to return, the state administration faces one of its largest annual public safety tests — and the success of these arrangements will be an early indicator of Choudhary's governance credentials ahead of his district tour later this month.