New Delhi — Bihar’s big election is set to kick off in two phases on November 6 and 11, with vote counting on November 14. The Election Commission announced a clear plan to keep the polls smooth and secure, easing the way for more than 7.42 million eligible voters.
The Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, said the state will host 90,712 polling stations, a number that’s roughly one per 80 voters. The Commission will also deploy Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) across sensitive areas as a confidence‑building measure. “All election officials must act with absolute impartiality,” Kumar told reporters.
A new feature — a mobile phone deposit facility — will be available at every polling station. Voters can bring their phones, identify themselves with serial and part numbers, and return their devices safely after voting. This step aims to curb fraud and protect personal data.
The election will see 14 lakh (1.4 million) first‑time voters head to the polls, plus about 4 lakh senior citizens older than 85, and even 14,000 voters over 100 years old will be counted. The voter list, recently finalized after a Special Intensive Revision (SIR), contains 3.92 crore men and 3.5 crore women. Kumar urged voters to double‑check their names in the roll before election day.
The SIR was conducted in full transparency. The Supreme Court’s direction to use the Aadhaar card only as proof of identity, not citizenship or domicile, was followed. The Commission reaffirmed that a voter must be at least 18, a citizen, and a resident of the polling area, per Article 326 of the Constitution.
The schedule fits around Chhath Puja on October 28. Although parties have pushed for early voting, the election dates honour the statutory lead time required after polls are notified.
Mobile phone deposits will feature prominently displayed serials for quick voter verification. The Commission also rolled out its ECINET app, dubbed “the mother of all apps,” to streamline election activities. Video‑capturing will cover every critical event — from nominations to vote counting — and local election officers will set up cameras and web‑streaming in every polling centre.
With these measures, Bihar aims to deliver a free, fair, and transparent election that lets every eligible voter have a voice.
Source: aninews
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
