Patna: The first phase of voting in the Bihar Assembly elections passed largely without incident on Saturday, with polling conducted at 45,324 booths across 121 constituencies. Authorities said preventive or corrective action was taken against 1,415 people during the voting period, and 16 vehicles and one mobile phone were seized.
Police said, aside from isolated incidents, no major disturbances occurred. FIRs have been registered, and investigations are ongoing. Internet media was also monitored throughout the day to curb misinformation.
Security for the elections was extensive. Around 1,500 companies of central forces were deployed on orders from the Election Commission, supported by 50 companies of Bihar Special Armed Police and more than 45,000 district officers and personnel. Additional personnel included 22,000 Home Guards, 19,817 trainee constables, and 3,671 Chowkidars and Dafadars to manage voter queues. Webcasting was provided at all polling booths to ensure transparency.
State borders with Jharkhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Nepal were sealed 48 hours before the close of voting. Authorities established 459 checkpoints, with extra temporary outposts to strengthen border security.
Specialised resources were deployed in sensitive areas, including riverine zones, Diara tracts, hilly regions, and former Naxalite-affected areas. Security forces were equipped with drones, boats, mounted police, dog squads, bomb disposal equipment, satellite phones, and emergency vehicles for rapid response.
Enforcement under the Model Code of Conduct has been vigorous. Since its imposition, Bihar police and central agencies have seized 3.4 lakh litres of liquor, narcotics worth Rs 19 crore, precious metals and other valuables worth Rs 4.25 crore, and Rs 7.35 crore in cash. Anti-social elements attempting to influence the polls have faced preventive action, with more than 4 lakh individuals monitored, 53,000 warned or restrained for potential voter intimidation, and over 1,000 active criminals externed under the Criminal Procedure Code (CCAA).
Additionally, 428 cases of Model Code violations have been registered since October 6. A Social Media Monitoring Cell has been established to track online misinformation, and voter awareness campaigns led by Bihar Police reached around 32 lakh people.
