Bihar Election Counting Begins Under Multi-Tier Security Watch
The counting of votes for all 243 constituencies in the Bihar Assembly election began on Friday morning under strict security measures. The process started at 8 a.m. with the counting of postal ballots, followed by the opening of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at 8:30 a.m. Across the state, 46 counting centers in 38 districts are in operation, supported by a multi-tier security system designed to ensure transparency and order throughout the process.
The inner security surrounding the strongrooms and counting halls is managed by the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), while the outer perimeter is secured by Bihar Police and district forces. More than 106 companies of additional security personnel from outside the state have also been deployed to maintain law and order during the counting day.
Strongrooms containing EVMs and VVPATs have been under 24/7 CCTV surveillance since polling ended. Candidates and their counting agents were allowed to verify security arrangements outside the inner cordoned zone before counting began.
Anand Kumar, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Gayaji, stated that all standard procedures and requirements have been strictly followed. “Every strongroom has a three-layer security arrangement. All entry points and sensitive areas around the venue have been adequately secured with the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces,” he said.
Similarly, Superintendent of Police (SP) Raj in Bhojpur district confirmed that extensive security measures have been implemented across the region. “Security barricades have been set up throughout the town, and similar protocols are in place in the surrounding areas. Eight CAPF companies are deployed across the district to ensure seamless law and order management,” he added.
Bhagalpur Municipal Commissioner Shubham Kumar noted that counting for the Gopalpur, Bihpur, and Sultanganj Assembly seats is progressing smoothly. “A magistrate has been assigned to every counting location. All candidates have been informed, and their polling agents are being granted timely access,” he said.
The counting process is being supervised by 243 Returning Officers and the same number of Counting Observers appointed by the Election Commission of India (ECI). Over 18,000 counting agents representing various candidates are present in the centers to witness the process firsthand. Only individuals with valid authorization passes are allowed inside, and the use of mobile phones is strictly prohibited in the counting halls.
The Election Commission has advised citizens and media outlets to rely solely on the official ECI results portal and the Voter Helpline App for accurate, real-time trends and updates.
