Patna: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced a fresh set of guidelines for the upcoming Bihar Assembly Election 2025, warning that candidates who violate these rules may face disqualification even after winning.
Under the new regulations, prior permission is mandatory for all rallies, meetings, banners, and use of loudspeakers. Authorities have simplified the approval process but made it clear that any breach will invite strict action. Loudspeakers will be allowed only until 10 p.m., and permissions for their use must be obtained from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM).
During a high-level meeting chaired by District Election Officer Dr Naval Kishore Choudhary, candidates were briefed on election expenditure norms and the Model Code of Conduct. According to the new rules, no more than four people (excluding family members) can assemble at a time under Section 163 of the BNS.
On polling day, each candidate will be permitted only two vehicles — one for the candidate and another for their election agent. All campaign expenses must come directly from the candidate’s bank account, with a cash spending cap of Rs. 10,000.
Crucially, every candidate must submit a complete expense report within 30 days of the election results. Failure to do so could result in the annulment of their victory and removal from office, officials warned.
Candidates facing criminal cases are required to publish details of their pending cases in newspapers and provide proof of publication to the election authorities.
Dr Choudhary also announced heightened security measures — Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will be deployed at all polling stations, and every booth will be under webcasting surveillance. Randomization of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will take place on October 29, with dispatch scheduled for November 10.
Election observers including Umesh Narayan Pandey (Bihpur), Sanjay Kumar Khatri (Gopalpur), and R. Leely (Pirpainti) inspected the EVM strongrooms at the Government Polytechnic, Barari. Officials demonstrated the storage setup, counting areas, and CCTV surveillance systems.
The DEO assured that CAPF personnel will monitor the strongrooms round the clock, while CCTV cameras will provide continuous live feed. Senior officials including Deputy Development Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Singh, Municipal Commissioner Shubham Kumar, and Executive Engineer Bhavan Pramandal were also present during the inspection.
