Patna: Counting of votes for the Bankipur assembly byelection will be held on Monday at AN College in Patna, where authorities have put in place multi-layer security and access control measures ahead of the exercise.
Voting for the byelection was held on 30 July. The outcome will decide the electoral fortunes of 25 candidates.
Tight Security At Counting Centre
Officials said electronic voting machines (EVMs) have been secured under a three-layer security arrangement at the college’s Kala Bhavan.
Twenty-five companies of central armed police forces have been deployed, along with personnel from the Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP). Around 100 security personnel will be deployed in three shifts, with a deputy superintendent of police overseeing each shift.
Only authorised officials, counting staff, candidates and their approved agents will be allowed inside the counting venue.
CCTV Surveillance And Access Control
The strong room and surrounding areas will remain under continuous CCTV surveillance. The strong room will be opened in the presence of candidates and their authorised agents before counting begins.
Candidates and their agents will be issued QR code-enabled passes, with entry and exit permitted only after scanning the pass. The passes will be issued by returning officer Raghvendra Pratap Singh.
Counting Process
Officials said counting will begin at 8am, with postal ballots being counted first. Counting of EVM votes will commence about 30 minutes later.
Votes cast at 422 polling stations will be counted in 30 rounds across 14 counting tables. Initial trends are expected to emerge after 12pm, while the final result is likely to be declared by around 4pm, subject to the completion of the counting process.
Personnel Deployed
Around 50 personnel have been assigned for counting duty, with additional staff kept in reserve to ensure the process is completed smoothly.
The administration said security and logistical arrangements have been finalised to facilitate a transparent and orderly counting process.
