Patna: The District Magistrate of Patna, Dr Thiyagarajan S.M., has said that ensuring free, fair and transparent elections will be the administration’s “top priority” as Bihar prepares for the upcoming legislative assembly polls.
Chairing a district-level standing committee meeting at the collectorate on Tuesday, the District Magistrate, who is also the District Election Officer, directed all stakeholders to enforce the directives of the Election Commission of India (ECI) “in letter and spirit.” Representatives of political parties, electoral registration officers and senior officials attended the meeting.
DM said the model code of conduct, which came into force with the announcement of elections, would remain in effect until the process is completed. Political parties and candidates have been ordered to remove banners, posters and hoardings within strict timelines — 24 hours from government offices, 48 hours from public property and 72 hours from private premises. Any violation could result in legal action.
The District Magistrate warned against voter intimidation, bribery and illegal campaigning, stressing that “all attempts by anti-social elements to threaten or influence voters will be thwarted.” Campaigning will be barred 48 hours before polling ends, and political advertisements on government property or religious premises remain prohibited.
In his address, he outlined arrangements for the 5,665 polling stations across Patna district. Each will be equipped with assured minimum facilities including ramps, toilets, electricity and water, to ensure accessibility for all voters, including women, first-time voters, the elderly and those with disabilities. A total of 563 sector officers, along with flying squads and surveillance teams, will be deployed round-the-clock to monitor law and order and enforce expenditure limits.
The administration also briefed political parties on key provisions: candidates may contest from a maximum of two constituencies, can submit up to four nomination papers, and must open a dedicated bank account for campaign spending. The expenditure cap has been set at Rs 40 lakh per candidate.
Dedicated monitoring cells have been set up for law and order, election expenditure, media certification and grievance redressal. Citizens can report violations through the district helpline on 1950 or at the offices of the Returning Officers.
He said the district was “fully prepared” to conduct the elections and reiterated that all permissions for rallies, processions and campaign vehicles would be processed through a single-window system to ensure transparency.
