Kishanganj: Counting of votes for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 began at 8 a.m. today across all four constituencies of Kishanganj district—Kishanganj, Bahadurganj, Thakurganj and Kochadhaman. Fourteen counting tables have been set up for each constituency, and every stage of the process is being monitored through an extensive CCTV network installed from the strong room to the counting hall.
Authorities have enforced a strict three-tier security system around the counting centre. No person is allowed within 100 metres of the premises, and public entry has been barred within a 200-metre radius. Seating arrangements for candidates and their authorised agents have been made outside the strong room. Police have erected barricades at three locations on the approach road as part of the security protocol.
The district recorded a total of 11,25,959 registered voters, including 6,00,253 men, 5,25,670 women and 36 third-gender voters. This election also saw 26,359 first-time voters aged 18 and 19 participating in the democratic process.
All four constituencies witnessed closely fought battles. In the Kishanganj seat, BJP’s Sweety Singh faced Congress candidate Mohammad Kamarul Hoda. Bahadurganj saw a contest between Congress’s Prof. Musabbir Alam and Jan Suraaj candidate Varun Singh. In Kochadhaman, RJD’s Master Mujahid Alam and AIMIM’s Sarwar Alam were locked in a tight race. The Thakurganj seat saw JD(U)’s Gopal Kumar Agarwal going up against RJD’s Saud Asrar Nadvi.
A total of 97 rounds of counting will decide the outcome in the district. Kishanganj will be counted in 24 rounds, Thakurganj in 25, Bahadurganj in 18 and Kochadhaman in 21 rounds. Counting is being held at the Market Committee Complex (Marketing Yard), with the process starting at 8 a.m.
Security at the strong room has been intensified, with EVMs and VVPATs placed under 24-hour surveillance. A platoon of Central Paramilitary Forces guards the inner perimeter, while district police and additional security personnel cover the middle and outer layers respectively. The CCTV feed is being monitored round the clock from the district administration control room.
District Election Officer Vishal Raj said that all preparations are complete and the administration is committed to ensuring a peaceful and transparent counting process. He added that security arrangements have been strengthened and every activity inside the counting centre is being continuously monitored.
